Towards appropriate polypharmacy in older cardiovascular patients: How many medications do I have to take?

Abstract

Background: Polypharmacy in older adults leads to increased risks of side effects and drug-drug interactions, affecting their health outcomes and quality of life. Deprescribing, the act of simplifying medication regimens, is challenging due to the lack of consensus guidelines. Hypothesis: To offer some guidance on managing medication regimens for older cardiovascular patients. Methods: We reviewed the most recent pertinent guidelines and literature. Results: This review provides practical considerations for appropriate prescribing in the older population with cardiovascular disease in order to strike a balance between unnecessary or harmful medications and therapies with proven long-term benefits. Conclusion: On-going dialogue between healthcare providers and patients allows close monitoring of medication effectiveness and prevention of side effects. Medication regimens require individualization, as patients' goals of care change with advancing age.