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Changes in prevalence of and prescribing for ischaemic heart disease in Ireland 1990-2002

K Bennett1, H Johnson, P Dack

  • 1Dept of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8. bennettk@tcd.ie

Irish Journal of Medical Science
|November 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence increased from 1990-2002. Prescribing of secondary prevention therapies like statins and ACE inhibitors also rose significantly, reflecting improved cardiovascular care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Secondary prevention therapies, including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and statins, are vital for reducing cardiovascular disease.
  • Understanding trends in coronary heart disease (CHD) and its management is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) between 1990 and 2002.
  • To examine the prescribing patterns of secondary preventive therapies during the same period.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the General Medical Services prescription database to identify patients with CHD.
  • Defined CHD by nitrate prescription, or co-prescription of nitrate and aspirin.
  • Assessed co-prescription rates of statins, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers.

Main Results:

  • Observed a significant increase in CHD prevalence in both men and women from 1990 to 2002.
  • Demonstrated a significant rise in the prescription rates of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins (p < 0.0001).
  • Noted a significant decrease in the use of calcium channel blockers (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • The observed trends indicate a growing adoption of evidence-based secondary preventive therapies for cardiovascular health.
  • These changes align with the implementation of national strategies for cardiovascular health improvement.
Abstract

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