Abstract
Objective: A study of the utilization of drugs, particularly antithrombotic agents and anti-arrhythmic agents, in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with changes over time in primary health care.
Methods: Surveys were done of patients with AF over 1-year periods, 1992–1993 (n = 135) and 1997–1998 (n = 144), respectively, at a community health centre in Stockholm County. Information on the prescription of drugs was obtained from the computerized medical records.
Results: The rate of antithrombotic treatment increased from 62.2% to 79.2% (P = 0.001), owing to an increased use of antiplatelet agents from 36.3% to 47.9% (P = 0.037), while the use of anticoagulant agents was on an equal level (25.9% vs 31.3%). The use of any antithrombotic agent in the primary prevention of thromboembolic events in AF increased from 20.0% to 41.0% (P = 0.000). The mean doses of aspirin, when used, increased from 123 to 142 mg (P = 0.036, one-tailed student's t-test). The use of sotalol also increased, from 14.2% to 25.2% (P = 0.024).
Conclusions: Despite the increased use of antithrombotic agents, there is still an under-prescription of anticoagulant agents and of doses of aspirin.
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Received: 5 November 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 27 January 1999
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Wändell, P. Drug use in patients with atrial fibrillation in Swedish primary health care: a comparison 5 years apart. E J Clin Pharmacol 55, 333–337 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050637
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050637