Utilization of prophylactic drug therapy after acute myocardial infarction in Abu Dhabi and Sweden

PurposePharmaceutical treatments to decrease blood pressure and lipids, inhibit platelet aggregation, and control diabetes are cornerstones of secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study compares the drug use during a oneyear period post-AMI in Abu Dhabi and Sweden.MethodsIn Abu Dhabi, information on medications dispensed during one year following a hospitalized AMI during January 2010 to June 2011 (n=1,326) was retrieved from the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi’s administrative claims database. Rates of at least one prescription within selected classes were quantified immediately following the event (months 0–3), 4–6 months, and 10–12 months after the event. Similar data was collected for hospitalized AMI patients in Sweden during 2009 (n=19,312), by linkage of the Swedish Myocardial Infarction register and Prescribed Drug Register. All proportions were age-standardized.ResultsDuring the first three months post-AMI, the proportion of patients in Abu Dhabi with at least one prescription of an anti-hypertensive drug was 76%, statin 72%, platelet aggregator inhibitor 76%, beta-blocker 64%, and drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system only 56%. These proportions declined to 36%, 34%, 34%, 28% and 28%, respectively, during month 10-12. Reductions among UAE citizens were somewhat lower than among expatriates. In Sweden, the corresponding proportions were 90%, 82%, 89%, 83% and 68%, respectively, 10- 12 months post-AMI.ConclusionAbu Dhabi’s health data systems offer a valuable tool for monitoring adherence to drug use. It appears that the outcomes of AMI patients in Abu Dhabi could be substantially improved by promoting adherence to evidence-based guidelines for secondary prevention