1. Jankowski P, Kawecka-Jaszcz K, Pająk A, Dubiel JS, Maciejewicz J, Piotrowski W, Śmielak-Korombel W, Tracz W, Żmudka K. Choroba niedokrwienna serca – leki zalecane przy wypisie. Krakowski Program Wtórnej Prewencji Choroby Niedokrwiennej Serca. Kardiol Pol 2000; 52: 167-171.
Abstract:
Background: The presence of significant differences in therapy between centres has been shown in some studies, despite of recently published guidelines of scientific societies.
Aim: The aim of the Cracovian Program of Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease is to assess and monitor actions taken in secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease. In this paper the frequency of prescribing antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists, anticoagulants and lipid lowering drugs at discharge from Cracow departments of cardiology was compared.
Methods: The study population consisted of 536 patients (≥70 years old, residing in the Cracow province) hospitalised due to myocardial infarction, unstable angina or revascularization. Hospital medical records were reviewed.
Results: Antiplatelets were prescribed at discharge for 87 % of the patients (from 80 % to 97 % in particular hospitals, p < 0.05), beta-blockers for 66 % (from 40 % to 84 %, p < 0.001), ACE inhibitors for 50 % of the patients (from 36 % to 66 %, p < 0.01), calcium antagonists for 30 % (from 20 % to 54 %, p < 0.001) and lipid lowering drugs to 27 % of the patients (from 4 % to 51 %, p < 0.001). The site of hospitalization had the strongest influence on the frequency of prescribing of lipid lowering agents for patients with LDL cholesterol from 135 to 155 mg/dl (0 % - 65 %, p < 0,0001). Lipid lowering drugs were significantly less frequently prescribed to diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetics (15 % vs 29 %, p < 0.01).
Conclusions: The average frequency of using of antiplatelets, beta-blockers and lipid lowering drugs was comparable to that in other European centres but significant differences in the frequency of prescribing them at discharge were observed in the departments of cardiology taking part in the study.
