This is a disturbing finding, the researchers said, since numerous clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of beta blockers in reducing the risk of future heart attacks and improving survival.
Duke performed its independent analysis of study data collected by CAQH, Washington, D.C., a not-for-profit alliance of more than 20 leading health plans and networks, providing health-care coverage to more 100 million Americans.
"While many studies have shown improvements in doctors' frequency of prescribing beta blockers at discharge after heart attacks, very few studies have looked at the long-term adherence to the drug," said Judith Kramer, M.D., principal investigator of the Duke Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTS) at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. "In the study, despite having prescription and commercial insurance coverage, less than 50 percent of this large population had been taking beta blockers regularly over the first year after their heart attack.
"In order for the proven benefits of these drugs to be realized, we need to focus our efforts on increasing patient adherence to the therapy," she continued.
Kramer presented the results of her analysis March 9, 2004, at the annual scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology.
Beta blockers are a class of drugs that blunt the stimulatory effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, the so-called "fight-or-flight" hormones. By blocking the effects of these hormones, beta blockers reduce the stress on the heart, and during exertion, they limit the increase in heart rate and so reduce the demand for oxygen.
Numerous studies have shown that a
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Contact: Richard Merritt
merri006@mc.duke.edu
919-684-4148
Duke University Medical Center
9-Mar-2004