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Patterns of Prescribing ACE Inhibitors after Myocardial Infarction

1999; Wiley; Volume: 19; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1592/phco.19.8.655.31524

1875-9114

Aileen B Luzier, Anjana Navsarikar, M WILSON, Khalid Ashai, A. Paul Forrest,

Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes

We attempted to determine physician prescribing patterns of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients who experienced a myocardial infarction, stratified by left ventricular function. We retrospectively reviewed drug therapy at discharge in 534 patients to assess prescription of ACE inhibitor therapy, including dosage. Thirty‐four percent of patients were discharged taking an ACE inhibitor, of whom only 11% received recommended dosages. The drugs were prescribed more often for patients who had an ejection fraction below 40% than for those with an ejection fraction of 40% or above (54% vs 28%, p< 0.05). We conclude that ACE inhibitors are underprescribed for patients who experienced a myocardial infarction, illustrating the gap between clinical research and clinical practice, and the need for programs to ensure optimal medical management.