Original Research
Saturday, October 12, 2024
11:30 AM–01:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Opioids can cause adverse cardiovascular effects (e.g. hypotension, arrhythmias), which can be concerning in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Currently, little is known regarding trends in opioid prescriptions among individuals with CVD.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What are the trends in prescription opioid use among adults with CVD from 2001 to March 2020?
Study Design: Cross-sectional study using 2001-March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data
Methods: Adults =20 years old with =1 of the following CVDs – heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke – were included. Primary outcomes were prevalence of overall, short-term (=90 days), and long-term (>90 days) prescription opioid use. Trends in prescription opioid use were evaluated in the overall adult population with CVD and within prespecified subgroups by CVD type, comorbidities, and demographic/socioeconomic characteristics. Weighted logistic regression, adjusted for age, was analyzed to assess trends in prescription opioid use in 4-year examination periods. Analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.4, with significance level of 0.05.
Results: Among 6,250 participants with CVD, no significant trends in overall opioid prescriptions were observed throughout the study period (9.4% to 11.8%, p=0.17). The prevalence of long-term prescription opioid use increased from 6.6% in 2001-2004 to 12.6% in 2013-2016, before decreasing slightly to 10.4% in 2017-March 2020 (p=0.03). During the study period, an increase in the prevalence of overall prescription opioid use was seen among individuals aged =65 years (7.5% to 11.3%, p=0.02), while a decrease was observed among those without insurance (10.3% to 1.5%, p=0.04).
Conclusion: Although overall prescription opioid use remained consistent between 2001 and March 2020, use of long-term opioid prescriptions increased during this period. Prescription opioid use appears to have increased among individuals aged =65 years, raising concerns due to their heightened risk of cardiovascular adverse effects from opioids.
Presenting Author
Gi Eun (Jemma) Han PharmD CandidateMCPHS University
Authors
Andrew Hwang PharmD
MCPHS University