[Morbi-mortality and use of recourses after acute coronary syndrome in a Spanish population]

To describe the management of patients suffering acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to determine its clinical and economic consequences in a Spanish population.

A multicenter, retrospective claim database study including patient medical records from 6 primary care centers, two hospitals and two years of follow-up was carried out. Patients ≥30 years, suffering a first acute coronary syndrome (ACS), between 2003 and 2007, were included. Groups: acute coronary syndrome with and without ST segment elevation.

socio-demographic, co-morbidities, metabolic syndrome (MS), biochemical parameters, drugs, cumulative incidence (total mortality and cardiovascular events (CVE: including myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral artery disease) and total costs.

logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier curves and ANCOVA; (P<.05).

A total of 1020 patients were included. Mean age: 69 years; males: 65%. Groups: ST segment elevation ACS (N=632; 62%). Co-morbidities: hypertension (56%), dyslipidemia (46%) and diabetes (38%). Prevalence of MS: 59% (CI 95%: 56-62%). All biochemical parameters had improved after two years of follow-up. The average total cost per patient was €14,069 (87% direct costs; 13% productivity loss costs). Direct costs: primary care (20%), specialty care (67%); hospitalization costs represented 63% of total costs. The average total cost for patients presenting more than one CVE was 22,750€ vs 12,380€ for those patients who suffered only one (P<.001). Cumulative incidence: total mortality 14%; CVE: 16%.

In the current clinical practice, and despite the clinical efforts carried out, patients with an ACS are still at a high risk of suffering further CVE, representing a high cost burden to the health care system.