The Prevalence of Benzodiazepine Usage Among Cardiovascular Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Both benzodiazepines and cardiovascular disease independently increase dementia risk, while anxiety and other psychiatric disorders may exacerbate cardiovascular diseases. Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines can lead to serious complications, making assessment of benzodiazepine use and psychiatric comorbidities particularly important in this patient population.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018, among cardiovascular patients referred to the Cardiovascular Ward of Imam Reza Clinic (Shiraz, Iran). Using the cluster sampling method, we collected data on cardiovascular disease type, potential psychiatric comorbidities, and benzodiazepine use patterns. Results: The study included 513 participants aged 18-80 years (265 men, 51.7%). Ischemic heart disease was the most prevalent cardiovascular condition (n=405, 78.9%). Psychiatric disorders were present in 13.25% (n=68) of participants, with alprazolam being the most commonly used benzodiazepine. No significant correlations were found between benzodiazepine use and psychiatric disorders (P=0.814), cigarette smoking (P=0.892), or opioid use (P=0.347).Conclusion: The findings demonstrated a significant prevalence of both benzodiazepine use and psychiatric disorders (particularly anxiety and depression) among cardiovascular patients, often without appropriate pharmacological treatment. These results underscored the importance of routine screening for psychiatric comorbidities and benzodiazepine use in all cardiovascular patients, regardless of age or sex.

Keywords

• benzodiazepines
• cardiovascular diseases
• drug utilization
• prevalence
• epidemiology