Use of cardiovascular prevention treatments after acute coronary syndrome in China and associated factors

Background Prevention of repeat cardiovascular events is an important means of addressing the increasing burden of coronary heart disease in China, however there is minimal information about the use of cardiovascular prevention treatment following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in China. Methods We analysed data from baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24-month follow-up surveys of 15,140 consecutive ACS patients recruited in 70 hospitals from 17 provinces of China. We describe the use of indicated cardiovascular prevention medicines, risk factor control, change over time and factors associated with continued prevention. Results 12,094 patients had follow-up data up to 12 months. At discharge, 86.1% were on a combination of antiplatelet, statin and blood pressure (BP) lowering drugs. Use of this combination fell to 68.0% at 12 months and 59.7% in patients followed to 24 months. Patients admitted to tertiary hospitals were more likely to be on the combination compared to secondary hospitals (at discharge 90.1% vs. 79.5%, p < 0.0001; at 12 months 71% vs. 64%, p < 0.001 respectively). At 12 months 25.2% achieved control in ≥four of five guideline levels of risk factors and this was similar by hospital level. Prescription of BP-lowering drugs and statins at discharge was the strongest predictor of use at 12 months follow-up. Lower income was associated with less use of both. Conclusions Use of cardiovascular prevention treatment declines steadily over time following an ACS. The largest proportional decline is in the first six months. Ensuring patients are discharged on these therapies and addressing barriers for low-income earners may help address this gap.