[Trends in discharge prescriptions for patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes in France from 1995 to 2000. Data from the Usik 1995, Prevenir 1, Prevenir 2 and Usic 2000 surveys]. / Evolution du traitement de sortie après hospitalisation pour syndrome coronaire aigu en France entre 1995 et 2000: données des études Usik 1995, Prévenir 1 et 2 et Usic 2000.

ABSTRACT

The use of cardiovascular secondary prevention medications in patients with acute coronary syndromes was compared in 4 sequential observational surveys carried out in France from 1995 to 2000. The Usik 1995 and Usic 2000 surveys included patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction, while the 2 Prevenir surveys (1998 and 1999) assessed the medications prescribed in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Antiplatelet agents were prescribed in 91% of the patients in 1995, 93% in 1998 and 1999 and 96% in 2000; for beta-blockers, the respective figures were 64%, 68%, 75% and 76%. For ACE-Inhibitors, the figures were 46%, 41%, 41% and 50%. For statins, the prescription increased from 10% to 36%, 59% and 64%. In 1995, 8% of the patients received both antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers and statins (4% of them also had an ACE-Inhibitor); in 2000, the respective figures were 53% and 27%. The results of the recent trials of secondary prevention medications have had a considerable impact on real-life practice in France during the late 1990s.