Treatment with statins after acute myocardial infarction in patients ≥80 years: underuse despite general acceptance of drug therapy for secondary prevention

Purpose It has not been decided to what extent the results from statin trials should be transferred to clinical practice in the very old. The aim of the study was to assess the use of cardiovascular drugs after an acute myocardial infarction (MI), with particular focus on statins, in very old patients as compared to younger patients. Method A sample of 901 acute MI patients was drawn from 16 hospitals in 1999/2000; the patients were followed up for 2.5 years. Information on demographic variables and drug therapy was obtained from hospital records, and in the follow‐up period by direct patient contact or questionnaire. The main indications for prescribing the various cardiovascular drugs were recorded. Results At discharge, drug use in patients ≥80 and