[Significance of the follow-up of patients with ischemic cardiopathy in the treatment with atorvastatin as secondary prevention. Pilot study].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the usefulness of different intensities of follow up when atorvastatin is used in the secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease.


METHODS
Design. Prospective study with balanced randomized allocation including a concurrent control group.


METHODS
Ambulatory care.


METHODS
75 patients hospitalized because of acute coronary syndromes were administered atorvastatin as secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease and randomized either to intensive follow up or to a control visit 6 months apart.


METHODS
The intensive follow up group (40 patients) was controlled every 2 months as outpatients and a physical examine and lipid profile was done, enhancing diet and exercise and adjusting the statin dose. The control group was evaluated just once after a 6 six month period.


RESULTS
88% were males and the average age was 63.7 +/- 10 year. Basal characteristics, myocardial infarction, revascularized procedures and initial chemistry and lipid profile were similar in both groups, although there was a higher proportion of patients in the control group taking ACE. After 6 months total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides reduction was higher in the intensive follow up group (33 vs. 24, 34 vs. 26 y 51 vs. 24 mg/dl, respectively) without realising statistical significance. Hospital readmissions were lesser in the intensive group (7.3% vs. 19.4%, P = 0.114). There was one death in each group.


CONCLUSIONS
Results show a tendency indicating that follow up planification is relevant to obtain the target lipid level recommended in the secondary prevention.
de la Iglesia Martínez
F
F
Unidad de Corta Estancia Médica, Complexo Hospitalario Juan Canalejo, A Coruña.
Pita Fernández
S
S
Ramos Polledo
V
V
Pellicer Vázquez
C
C
Nicolás Miguel
R
R
Diz-Lois Martínez
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin