Abstract

Background: Implementation of health programs to reduce cardiovascular risk, are needed for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To evaluate achievements of secondary prevention goals, pharmacologic prescription and major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. Material and Methods: Patients who had a first event of acute coronary syndrome, angioplasty or revascularization surgery, between January 2008 and June 2010, were contacted for a clinical and laboratory evaluation between June and October 2011. Results: Seven hundred and two medical records were reviewed and 245 eligible patients were identified. Of these, we assessed 202 patients aged 64 10 years (70% males). Sixty seven percent had two or more cardiovascular risk factors. A goal of HDL cholesterol level over 40 mg/dL was achieved in 91% of patients, smoking cessation in 84% and a total cholesterol <200 mg/dL in 66%. A blood pressure below 130/85 mm Hg was achieved in 30% of patients, a normal BMI in 19% and LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL in 18%. At the moment of assessment, 87% were using aspirin, 78% statins, 74% angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists and 66% were using beta-blockers. Twenty two percent of patients had a major cardiovascular event during the follow up, which lasted 28 8 months. Conclusions: A low percentage of cardiovascular goals achievement was observed in this sample of patients, with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. A high percentage quit smoking after their first cardiovascular event. Despite the high percentage of drug prescription, hypertension and dyslipidemia were not fully controlled.