Care for patients who have had a heart attack is better, but further improvement is still possible.

Researchers at Yale University surveyed Medicare patients admitted to hospital for acute heart attack between 1994 and 1995 and from 1998 to 1999. They found that prescription of aspirin, beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors increased during this time - a very favorable trend, as these drugs are known to prevent further heart attacks.

The time taken to administer life-saving clotbusting drugs decreased - another good sign, as the chances of success are highest if given within an hour of the onset of symptoms. But the percentage of those offered support for smoking cessation actually went down. The researchers conclude that while things have certainly improved, there is still more that can be done to help patients after a heart attack to avoid further problems.

Source

Archives of Internal Medicine 23rd June 2003