title: Are we meeting cardiovascular risk targets 3 years after acute coronary syndrome? An evaluation in West Auckland, New Zealand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Several studies have shown poor achievement of cardiovascular targets in high risk patients. We measured these targets in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome, three years after discharge from Waitakere Coronary Care Unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective observational study was performed. All patients discharged in 2006 were included. Admission data was extracted from computerised records and patients were subsequently invited for appointment. Data collected included: blood pressure, lipid profile, BMI, smoking status, HbA1c, medications and contraindications, and lifestyle factors. Results were analysed and compared with national targets.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data was collected on 112 patients (22 patients died, 18 excluded and 18 lost to follow up). There was good compliance with blood pressure (mean 120/70 mmHg), smoking cessation and medication targets. However 22% of patients were not prescribed an ACE inhibitor at follow-up. Lipid profile improved, although only 52% of patients met LDL targets. There was no difference between admission and follow-up BMI. HbA1c had increased slightly, however this was not statistically significant. Eight diabetic patients (n=27) had an HbA1c of less than 7% at follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although a small sample population, results showed mixed compliance but not as poor as previously reported. More effort is needed to attain LDL, HbA1c and BMI targets, and ensure ACE inhibitor initiation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, University of Aberdeen, Polworth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom. johnalexanderford@gmail.com
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: Jocelyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin; D002784:Cholesterol; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors