Abstract

SALAS CORONAS, J. et al. Factors that infuence the non prescription of beta-blockers in patients with acute myocardial infarction. An. Med. Interna (Madrid) [online]. 2001, vol.18, n.4, pp.23-26. ISSN 0212-7199.

Objective: To study the factors that influence the non prescription of beta-blockers in patients discharged with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).  Method: A retrospective study was done of all patients discharged from our Service in the year 1998, with a diagnosis of AMI. The variables considered were age, sex, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, left ventricle dysfunction and COPD.  Results: 60 patients with AMI were included in the study, 18 of whom (30%) were discharged without beta-blockers. The average age of these patients was 77 years, while the average age of those discharged with these pharmaceutical agents was 60 years (p<0.0001). Likewise, left ventricle dysfunction (p<0.031) and female gender (p<0.016), also negatively influenced the use of these drugs. It was observed with multivariable regression analysis that age was the main predictor for the use of beta-blockers (p<0.0001).  Conclusion: Age is the main factor that influences the non prescription of beta-blockers in patients with AMI in our Service. In spite of the potential adverse effects of the drugs in the advanced age population, the data so far obtained demonstrates a clear benefit in the subgroups at risk (advanced age, heart failure, ...). Therefore it´s use should be extended to this group of population as long as there are no absolute contraindications.

Keywords : Acute myocardial infarction; Beta-blockers; Sex; Age; Left ventricle dysfunction.

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