Physicians' attitudes toward post-MI aspirin prophylaxis: findings from an online questionnaire in Europe and Latin America.

Few surveys have assessed physicians' attitudes toward preventive treatment in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients, although these patients have a high risk of recurrence. A newly developed online survey, which aimed to determine physicians' attitudes toward aspirin prophylaxis post-MI, was sent to physicians in 18 countries. This report describes findings from 7 European (n = 2842 respondents) and 2 Latin American (n = 149 respondents) countries. Although low-dose aspirin therapy was recommended by most physicians (> 90%), compliance was suboptimal; 29% of patients in Europe and 35% in Latin America were partially or totally noncompliant, and 18% of physicians in Europe and 20% in Latin America had lost contact with their patients. Low-dose aspirin monotherapy or combination therapy, dosage, and physician contact all had a significant effect on compliance (P < 0.00001). Shared decision making by the physician and patient was rated as the most effective measure to improve compliance, which clearly indicates the need for a change in management.