Cardiovascular medications taken by patients aged >or=70 years hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes before hospitalization and at hospital discharge.
A prospective study was performed in 177 patients, mean age 78+/-6 years, hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes. Obstructive coronary artery disease was documented by coronary angiography in 154 of 177 patients (87%). Coronary revascularization was performed in 96 of 177 patients (54%). Five of 177 patients (3%) died during hospitalization. Compared to use before hospitalization, at hospital discharge the use of aspirin increased from 43% to 84% (p<0.001), the use of clopidogrel increased from 21% to 54% (p<0.001), the use of beta blockers increased from 38% to 76% (p<0.001), the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers increased from 42% to 70% (p<0.001), the use of long-acting nitrates increased from 15% to 31% (p<0.001), and the use of calcium channel blockers decreased from 28% to 23% (p=NS). Dyslipidemia was present in 62% of the 177 patients. The use of statins increased from 34% before hospitalization to 63% at hospital discharge (p<0.001).
Woodworth
Stephen
S
Cardiology Division, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
Nayak
Devraj
D
Aronow
Wilbert S
WS
Pucillo
Anthony L
AL
Koneru
Srinivas
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011336:Probability; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015996:Survival Rate
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D001241:Aspirin