Cardiovascular medications taken by patients aged ≥ 70 years hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes before hospitalization and at hospital discharge

Abstract

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 β 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). ©2002 CHF, Inc.