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Erschienen in:
01.12.2010 | Original Article
Secondary prevention for coronary artery disease: are we following the guidelines?
Erschienen in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Ausgabe 4/2010
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Background
Secondary prevention pharmacotherapy in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients reduces the risk of subsequent coronary events and overall mortality. International guidelines recommend use of aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins in post-MI patients.
Aims
We performed this audit to review the compliance of prescribing practices, in a regional hospital in Ireland, with international guidelines for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.
Methods
We performed a retrospective case review of 172 patients diagnosed with MI during a 1-year period between January and December 2007.
Results
A total of 134 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. On discharge, aspirin was prescribed to 131 (97.76%) patients, clopidogrel to 126 (94%), beta-blockers to 117 (87%), ACE inhibitor to 87 (65%), ARB to 10 (7%) and statins to 116 (87%).
Conclusion
Our audit shows that targets for prescription of secondary prevention medications were not met in a small but significant proportion of patients and calls for review of discharge practices and education to improve compliance with guidelines.