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  • Title: Management of acute myocardial infarction in Auckland.
    Author: French J, Williams B, Hart H, Woo K, Wang L, Grant J, Ingram C, O'Brien P, Poole J, Sharpe N, Williams M, White H.
    Journal: N Z Med J; 1996 Jul 12; 109(1025):248-51. PubMed ID: 8692449.
    Abstract:
    AIM: To analyse the utilisation of therapies in coronary care units for patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: An evaluation form was completed prospectively by a designated nurse in each coronary care unit of the four Auckland hospitals in 1993. RESULTS: One thousand and eighty one patients who were admitted with definite or probable acute myocardial infarction had a coronary care unit stay of 63.4 (SD 49.3) hours, and hospital stay of 7.3 (5.1) days. The mortality for definite myocardial infarction was 13.7% (< 70 years 7.1%). Coronary angiography was performed on 10% of patients during their hospital admission, and 4.9% underwent revascularisation. Thrombolytic therapy was administered to 52% (495/948) of patients with definite infarction and 4% had contraindications. Patients aged > or = 70 years (47% vs 55% p = 0.02) or diabetics (46% vs 56%, p = 0.04) were less likely to receive thrombolysis. The utilisation of aspirin and oral beta-blockers was 86% and 40%, respectively, in patients with definite infarction and both were used less frequently in patients > or = 70 years. Intravenous beta-blockers were administered to < 1% of patients. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were prescribed in 21%, intravenous or long acting nitrates in 41% and calcium antagonists in 14%; the latter two therapies were used more frequently in patients > or = 70 years. There was no evidence of gender or ethnic bias for either investigation or treatment. CONCLUSION: On the basis of results of recent clinical trials, there may be under utilisation of some treatments for acute myocardial infarction including aspirin, thrombolytic therapy, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, while calcium antagonists may be over used.
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