Gislason Gunnar H, Abildstrom Steen Z, Rasmussen Jeppe N, Rasmussen Søren, Buch Pernille, Gustafsson Ida, Friberg Jens, Gadsbøll Niels, Køber Lars, Stender Steen, Madsen Mette, Torp-Pedersen Christian
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Scand Cardiovasc J. 2005 Apr;39(1-2):42-9. doi: 10.1080/14017430510008989.
To study the use of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Denmark from 1995 to 2002.
Information about patients with first AMI aged > or = 30 years and the dispensing of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors from pharmacies within 30 d from discharge was obtained from the National Patient Registry and the Danish Registry of Medicinal Product Statistics.
Beta-blocker use increased from 38.1% of patients in 1995 to 67.9% in 2002 (OR = 3.85, CI: 3.58-4.13). Women, elderly patients and patients taking loop-diuretics and antidiabetic drugs received beta-blockers less frequently, but patients taking loop-diuretics or antidiabetic drugs had the greatest increase. ACE inhibitor use increased from 24.5 to 35.5% (OR = 1.86, CI: 1.72-2.01). Women, patients aged < 60 years or > or = 80 years and patients not taking loop-diuretics received ACE inhibitors less frequently, but patients not taking loop-diuretics had the greatest increase.
Beta-blocker use increased markedly post-AMI from 1995 to 2002, whereas ACE inhibitor use increased modestly. The results suggested undertreatment of women, elderly patients and people with diabetes.
