Risk-associated management disparities in acute myocardial infarction

Despite improvements in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), risk-associated management disparities may exist. We investigated this issue including temporal trends in a large MI cohort (n = 179,291) registered 2005–2017 in SWEDEHEART. Multivariable models were used to study the associations between risk categories according to the GRACE 2.0 score and coronary procedures (timely reperfusion, invasive assessment ≤ 3 days, in-hospital coronary revascularization), pharmacological treatments (P2Y12-blockers, betablockers, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone-system [RAAS]-inhibitors, statins), structured follow-up and secondary prevention (smoking cessation, physical exercise training). High-risk patients (n = 76,295 [42.6%]) experienced less frequent medical interventions compared to low/intermediate-risk patients apart from betablocker treatment. Overall, intervention rates increased over time with more pronounced increases seen in high-risk patients compared to lower-risk patients for in-hospital coronary revascularization (+ 23.6% vs. + 12.5% in patients < 80 years) and medication with P2Y12-blockers (+ 22.2% vs. + 7.8%). However, less pronounced temporal increases were noted in high-risk patients for medication with RAAS-blockers (+ 8.5% vs. + 13.0%) and structured follow-up (+ 31.6% vs. + 36.3%); p(interaction) < 0.001 for all. In conclusion, management of high-risk patients with MI is improving. However, the lower rates of follow-up and of RAAS-inhibitor prescription are a concern. Our data emphasize the need of continuous quality improvement initiatives.