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Heart attack patients not taking medication
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 6, 2010
Many myocardial infarction patients are not using preventive medications, despite having cardiovascular disease risk factors, according to a study presented Nov. 15 at the American Heart Assn.'s Scientific Sessions in Chicago. Preventive medications include aspirin, statins and ACE-inhibitors.
Researchers examined data on 1,174 patients who had an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and who enrolled in the Minneapolis Heart Institute's Level One Heart Attack Program between May 1, 2007, and March 1, 2010. Of the participants, 358 had coronary artery disease and 816 had not been diagnosed with the condition. Researchers found that 70% of patients with the disease were taking aspirin, and 61% used statins. Among those without the condition, 22% used aspirin and 16% took statins. The study authors said prescribing preventive medications to those at risk of cardiovascular disease could reduce morbidity and mortality related to the condition.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/12/06/prbf1206.htm.
