European journal of preventive cardiology
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational Study
Chronic aspirin and statin therapy in patients with impaired renal function and acute coronary syndromes: results from the IN-ACS Outcome Registry.
The cardioprotective role that statin and aspirin has appears to be reduced in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This analysis aims to evaluate the impact of statin and aspirin on the outcome of patients with CKD and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ⋯ In a large cohort of patients with CKD and ACS, chronic treatment with statin or the combination of aspirin and statin is associated with short-term and long-term better outcomes for in-hospital mortality, as compared to those receiving no therapy or aspirin therapy alone.
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To examine whether use of a standardized cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment recommended by national guidelines is associated with appropriate initiation and maintenance of medication in a large primary care cohort. ⋯ In this primary care cohort, most patients already using CVD medications at the time of the baseline CVD risk assessment maintained treatment over a maximum of 3 years follow up, irrespective of their estimated baseline risk. Among patients untreated at baseline, subsequent dispensing rates were strongly related to estimated CVD risk group. Around 15⊟20% of untreated patients meeting national drug-treatment criteria commenced combination pharmacotherapy within 6 months of CVD risk assessment.
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Exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The positive impact of a smoking ban on AMI hospitalization rates has been demonstrated both inside and outside Europe. A national smoking ban (SB) was implemented in Denmark on 15 August 2007. ⋯ A significant reduction in the number of AMI-admissions was found already one year before the SB after adjustment for the incidence of T2D. The results differ from most results found in similar studies throughout the world and may be explained by the incremental enactment of SBs in Denmark and the implementation of a nation-wide ban on industrially produced trans-fatty acids in food in 2004.
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Poor medication compliance with antihypertensive drugs may have a significant impact on clinical outcomes, hospitalisation and healthcare expenditure. This study aims to assess medication compliance and its underlying factors in patients receiving antihypertensive drugs in Taiwan. ⋯ Several patient- and institution-related factors may influence medication compliance. Therefore, for optimal outcomes, patients' awareness of the need for compliance with antihypertensive therapy must be enhanced, and effective intervention strategies should be developed.
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Based on guidelines, patients with established cardiovascular disease are likely to already receive a combination of aspirin, a statin, and blood pressure (BP)-lowering agents. Combining these pharmacological agents into a cardiovascular polypill could be considered in these patients to reduce prescription gaps and non-adherence. We aimed to assess the prevalence of the combined use of aspirin, statin, and BP-lowering agents in patients with established cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in the period 1996-2009. ⋯ A high proportion of patients with established cardiovascular diseases already uses a combination of pharmacological agents. Introduction of a polypill in high-risk patients might be feasible to reduce prescription gaps and increase adherence to indicated therapy.