Registration of antithrombotic policy for the management of acute coronary syndromes in the Greek population.

INTRODUCTION In this study an attempt was made for the first time in the Greek population to register the antithrombotic medication given to patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), both during their hospitalisation and on discharge. METHODS The study was designed to include all patients with ACS in a total of 22 hospitals in Athens and other parts of Greece. An analysis was made of differences in the administration of antithrombotic agents in relation to region, sex and age. RESULTS From the data recorded it emerged that patients in Athenian hospitals more often receive aspirin and heparin than do those in other regions. Also, women with acute myocardial infarction are given aspirin and platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors less frequently than men. In addition, elderly patients with non-Q infarction and unstable angina are treated less often with clopidogrel than are younger patients. CONCLUSIONS A large number of patients with ACS do not receive antithrombotic medication in accordance with the guidelines. Furthermore, it appears that population groups who are considered to have higher risk and poorer prognosis, such as the elderly and women, are undertreated.