• Ayse Akincigil, John R Bowblis, Carrie Levin, Saira Jan, Minalkumar Patel, and Stephen Crystal.
• School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. aakinci@rci.rutgers.edu
• J Gen Intern Med. 2008 Feb 1; 23 (2): 115-21.

BackgroundAfter acute myocardial infarction (AMI), treatment with beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) is widely recognized as crucial to reduce risk of a subsequent AMI. However, many patients fail to consistently remain on these treatments over time, and long-term adherence has not been well described.ObjectiveTo examine the duration of treatment with beta-blockers and ACEI within the 24 months after an AMI.DesignA retrospective, observational study using medical and pharmacy claims from a large health plan operating in the Northeastern United States.SubjectsEnrollees with an inpatient claim for AMI who initiated beta-blocker (N = 499) or ACEI (N = 526) therapy.MeasurementTime from initiation to discontinuation was measured with pharmacy refill records. Associations between therapy discontinuation and potential predictors were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsACEI discontinuation rates were high: 7% stopped within 1 month, 22% at 6 months, 32% at 1 year and 50% at 2 years. Overall discontinuation rates for beta-blockers were similar, but predictors of discontinuation differed for the two treatment types. For beta-blockers, the risk of discontinuation was highest among males and those from low-income neighborhoods; patients with comorbid hypertension and peripheral vascular disease were less likely to discontinue therapy. These factors were not associated with ACEI discontinuation.ConclusionMany patients initiating evidence-based secondary prevention therapies after an AMI fail to consistently remain on these treatments. Adherence is a priority area for development of better-quality measures and quality-improvement interventions. Barriers to beta-blocker adherence for low-income populations need particular attention.

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