[Factors that influence the non prescription of beta-blockers in patients with acute myocardial infarction].
OBJECTIVE
To study the factors that influence the non prescription of beta-blockers in patients discharged with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).


METHODS
A retrospective study was done of all patients discharged from our Service in the year 1998, with a diagnosis of AMI. The variables considered were age, sex, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, left ventricle dysfunction and COPD.


RESULTS
60 patients with AMI were included in the study, 18 of whom (30%) were discharged without beta-blockers. The average age of these patients was 77 years, while the average age of those discharged with these pharmaceutical agents was 60 years (p < 0.0001). Likewise, left ventricle dysfunction (p < 0.031) and female gender (p < 0.016), also negatively influenced the use of these drugs. It was observed with multivariable regression analysis that age was the main predictor for the use of beta-blockers (p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Age is the main factor that influences the non prescription of beta-blockers in patients with AMI in our Service. In spite of the potential adverse effects of the drugs in the advanced age population, the data so far obtained demonstrates a clear benefit in the subgroups at risk (advanced age, heart failure,...). Therefore it's use should be extended to this group of population as long as there are no absolute contraindications.
Salas Coronas
J
J
Hospital de Poniente, Servicio de Medicina Interna, El Ejido, Almería.
Montiel Trujillo
A
A
López Martínez
A
A
Zambrana García
J L
JL
Delgado Fernández
M
M
Díez García
F
F
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists