Changes in prevalence of and prescribing for ischaemic heart disease in Ireland 1990-2002.

BACKGROUND

Secondary prevention therapies, such as angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers and statins, are known to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and the prescribing of secondary preventive therapies in the period 1990-2002.

METHODS

The General Medical Services prescription database was used to identify the study cohort, those with CHD, in each year 1990-2002. CHD was defined in two ways: prescription of any nitrate, and co-prescription of nitrate and aspirin. In addition, co-prescription of secondary preventive agents including statins, ACE inhibitors and beta blockers were examined.

RESULTS

We found a significant increasing prevalence of CHD from 1990 to 2002 in both men and women. There was a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in the prescribing rate for beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and for statins, buta significant decrease (p < 0.0001) for calcium channel blockers.

CONCLUSION

These trends reflect the growing evidence base on the effectiveness of secondary preventive therapies, and the implementation of the National Cardiovascular Health Strategy.