The Impact of De‐escalation of Antianginal Medications on Health Status After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND: Antianginal medications (AAMs) can be perceived to be less important after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and may be de‐escalated after revascularization. We examined the frequency of AAM de‐escalation at discharge post‐PCI and its association with follow‐up health status. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a 10‐center PCI registry, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire was assessed before and 6 months post‐PCI. AAM de‐escalation was defined as fewer AAMs at discharge versus admission or >25% absolute dose decrease. Of 2743 PCI patients (70% male), AAM were de‐escalated, escalated, and unchanged in 299 (11%), 714 (26%), and 1730 (63%) patients, respectively. Patients whose AAM were de‐escalated were more likely to report angina at 6 months, compared with unchanged or escalated AAM (34% versus 24% versus 21%; P<0.001). The association of AAM de‐escalation with health status was examined using multivariable models adjusting for the predicted risk of post‐PCI angina, completeness of revascularization, and the interaction of AAM de‐escalation×completeness of revascularization. There was a significant interaction between AAM de‐escalation and completeness of revascularization (P<0.001), suggesting that AAM de‐escalation was associated with greater impairment of health status among patients with incomplete revascularization. In patients with incomplete revascularization, de‐escalation of AAM at discharge was associated with 43% increased angina risk (relative risk, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–1.63) and worse angina‐related health status at 6 months post‐PCI. CONCLUSIONS: De‐escalation of AAM occurs in 1 in 10 patients post‐PCI, and it is associated with an increased risk of angina and worse health status, particularly among those with incomplete revascularization.