Trends in opioid use among adults with cardiovascular disease, 2001 – March 2020

Although overall prescription opioid use among participants with CVD remained relatively consistent between 2001 and March 2020, the use of long-term opioid prescriptions increased, possibly reflecting a growing burden of chronic pain in this population. Prescription opioid use also appeared to have increased among individuals aged ≥65 years, raising concerns due to their heightened risk of cardiovascular adverse effects from opioids.