Implementation of oral antiplatelet treatment after acute coronary syndrome in Finland

Background Oral antiplatelet (OAP) treatment is recommended for prevention of recurrent ischaemic attacks after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis. We examined whether the type of hospital providing care for ACS influenced the use of oral antiplatelet drugs (OAPs).

Methods Using data derived from Finnish nationwide registries we analysed the initiation of and persistence with OAP treatment in all ACS patients aged >18 years (n = 54 416) from year 2009 to 2013.

Results Altogether 26 651 (49%) patients had purchased OAP medication within 7 days after discharge. Central hospitals treated the largest patient volumes and 50.8% of these patients received OAPs. University hospitals attained a better OAP initiation percentage (57.4%), but smaller hospitals started the medication less frequently (31.3%). The OAP mostly used was clopidogrel with more novel medications gaining ground during the end of the period. The use of all OAPs increased with time, but the treatment duration decreased.

Conclusions The use of OAP treatment was suboptimal in ACS patients in Finland during 2009–2013 particularly in patients discharged from other than central or academic hospitals.