[The secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease in Spain. A systematic review of observational studies].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) secondary prevention measures in the Spanish National Health System.


METHODS
Systematic review of observational studies with information on the use of preventive treatment and measures in the prevention of secondary IHD.


METHODS
Primary care and specialised out-patient clinics.


METHODS
Medline search and complementary searches of studies published between 1995 and 2004 with a description of the use secondary prevention measures on hospital discharge or in the follow up after discharge.


METHODS
A total of 125 references were found after the MEDLINE search, 13 of which were selected after an independent review by 2 researchers. The complementary sources provided 9 more studies giving a total of 22.


METHODS
One researcher extracted information on the characteristics of the study and the results variables, which were independently verified by a second evaluator. RESULTS. In the 22 studies found, a high level of variation was shown in the different treatment rates: anti-aggregants (at discharge, 72%-97.1%; follow-up, 46.4%-93.8%); beta-blockers (at discharge, 29%-68.3%; follow-up, 22.4%-59.0%); drugs with action on the renin-angiotensin system (at discharge, 16.2%-52.2%; follow-up, 6.1%-53.1%); lipid lowering drugs (at discharge, 6.7%-88.7%; follow-up, 24.5%-89.5%). The treatment rates showed a progressive improvement over time during the period studied.


CONCLUSIONS
In the period 1994-2003 treatment rates in the secondary prevention of IHD have increased, although there is still much room for improvement.
Sanfélix
Gabriel
G
Escuela Valenciana de Estudios de la Salud, Valencia, España.
Peiró
Salvador
S
Gosalbes Soler
Victoria
V
Cervera Casino
Pedro
P
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013030:Spain
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents