A Prospective Observational Study on Prescription Pattern Analysis and Medication Adherence in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly myocardial infarction (MI), are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a significant impact in India. This prospective observational study aimed to assess the demographic details, risk factors, complications, and prescription patterns in patients diagnosed with MI at Murugan Multi speciality Hospital, Karimnagar, over a period of six months (Sep 2022 to Feb 2023). A total of 150 patients (both inpatient and outpatient) with old or newly diagnosed MI were included. The study found a near equal distribution of male (49.3%) and female (50.7%) patients, with a predominant age group of 51-60 years. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a non-vegetarian diet were frequentlyassociated with MI, with a statistically significant association between obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption and MI occurrence. Complications such as arrhythmias (70%), congestive cardiac failure (12%), and cardiogenic shock (8%) were commonly observed. The most frequently diagnosed type of MI was inferioposterior wall MI. Prescription analysis revealed that the average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 11.5, with antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and hypolipidemic drugs being most prescribed. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, with most patients showing high adherence, although some patients had medium or low adherence, particularly among females and illiterate individuals. This highlights the need for targeted patient education to improve adherence and prevent complications. In conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and appropriate medication use in MI management. Educating patients, especially those with low and medium adherence, is essential to reduce the progression of MI and its associated complications. The study also underscores the role of prescription monitoring in improving therapeutic outcomes for MI patients.