Author/Authors :
Ege, Meltem Refiker Kavaklidere Umut Hospital - Cardiology Clinic, Turkey , Güray, Yeşim Ankara Yüksek İhtisas Teaching and Research Hospital - Cardiology Clinic, Turkey , Demirkan, Burcu Yüksek İhtisas Teaching and Research Hospital - Cardiology Clinic, Turkey , Şaşmaz, Hatice Yüksek İhtisas Teaching and Research Hospital - Clinic of Cardiology, Turkey , Yılmaz, Mehmet Birhan Cumhuriyet University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiology, Turkey , Korkmaz, Şule Ankara Yüksek İhtisas Teaching and Research Hospital - Cardiology Clinic, Turkey
Abstract :
Aim. Systolic heart failure (HF) is an important health problem with considerable mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate factors influencing initiation (prescription) of HF drugs within the hospital. Method. Hospital records of consecutive 456 patients, hospitalized (first hospitalizations) and treated for acute HF (ejection fraction 40%) were retrospectively reviewed. In-hospital treatments were considered irrespective of previous or discharge treatments. Results. Patients with impaired renal function were administered beta blockers more frequently compared to those without impaired GFR. Functional class did not seem to influence starting of ACE inhibitors or beta blockers. Those with ischemic HF were given ACE inhibitors less frequently compared to those with nonischemic HF. Those with permanent AF were less frequently administered aspirin and ACE inhibitors compared to those without. Elderly patients (≥65 years) were not different from younger ones in terms of prescription choices including ACE inhibitor, beta blocker, and spironolactone. Patients with anemia were not different from those without anemia in terms of prescription of ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and spironolactone. Conclusion. We think that recognizing factors that drive physicians to initiate or continue drugs in systolic HF is important in making risk stratification accurately and in modifying prognosis.
