Patterns of prescribing ACE inhibitors after myocardial infarction.
We attempted to determine physician prescribing patterns of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients who experienced a myocardial infarction, stratified by left ventricular function. We retrospectively reviewed drug therapy at discharge in 534 patients to assess prescription of ACE inhibitor therapy, including dosage. Thirty-four percent of patients were discharged taking an ACE inhibitor, of whom only 11% received recommended dosages. The drugs were prescribed more often for patients who had an ejection fraction below 40% than for those with an ejection fraction of 40% or above (54% vs 28%, p<0.05). We conclude that ACE inhibitors are underprescribed for patients who experienced a myocardial infarction, illustrating the gap between clinical research and clinical practice, and the need for programs to ensure optimal medical management.
Luzier
A B
AB
Department of Pharmacy Practice, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Pharmacy, 14260-1200, USA.
Navsarikar
A
A
Wilson
M F
MF
Ashai
K
K
Forrest
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors