RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to register the frequency of statin prescription during the initial hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction and therapeutic intensity at follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study among patients aged below 70 of both sexes with acute myocardial infarction, who survived the initial hospitalization at the University Hospital of Tromsø during 1995-1998. RESULTS: 473 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 76% men, mean age 57.4 (range 33-70 yrs) were included. Statin treatment was started in 55% of the patients within discharge from the hospital. Total cholesterol (odds ratio 0.51, 0.41-0.64; 95% CI) and decreasing age (1.60, 1.21-2.10) were significant predictors for statin prescription. Statin treatment started during hospitalization increased gradually from 42% in 1995 to 91% in 1998 (p < 0.001) among patients with total cholesterol above 5.0 mmol/l at admission. 54% of the statin users achieved the treatment goal at their first outpatient control 8-12 weeks after discharge. INTERPRETATION: The proportion of statin users has increased satisfactory during 1995-98, but the therapeutic intensity is unsatisfactory compared to guidelines for cholesterol-lowering treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction.
