[Analysis of medications dispensed to control the main cardiovascular risks in the Murcia Region: are there gender differences?].

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the use of cardiovascular medicines and its distribution by age and sex.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Region of Murcia.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Daily doses of cardiovascular drugs prescribed and dispensed in all the pharmacies of the Region per 1,000 inhabitants-day (DHD). A comparison was made of consumption rates (DHD) by age and sex.

RESULTS

The probability of receiving antiplatelet drugs increases with age, with the proportion of men being higher. The use of beta-blockers and angiotensin II increases with age up to 79 years, with an increased consumption in men up to 65 years. The probability of receiving treatment with calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, or statins, linearly increases with age, and the proportion of men under treatment exceeds that of women in the early ages, tending to equalize beyond 80 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the cardiovascular disease prevention focuses on people aged 40 to 74 years. Access by women to cardiovascular therapy occurs with a delay of 3-5 years, depending on the treatment subgroup. Changes should be promoted to encourage rational and equitable access and use of the drugs.