[Significance of the follow-up of patients with ischemic cardiopathy in the treatment with atorvastatin as secondary prevention. Pilot study].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of different intensities of follow up when atorvastatin is used in the secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Design. Prospective study with balanced randomized allocation including a concurrent control group.

SETTING: Ambulatory care.

PATIENTS: 75 patients hospitalized because of acute coronary syndromes were administered atorvastatin as secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease and randomized either to intensive follow up or to a control visit 6 months apart.

INTERVENTIONS: The intensive follow up group (40 patients) was controlled every 2 months as outpatients and a physical examine and lipid profile was done, enhancing diet and exercise and adjusting the statin dose. The control group was evaluated just once after a 6 six month period.

RESULTS: 88% were males and the average age was 63.7 +/- 10 year. Basal characteristics, myocardial infarction, revascularized procedures and initial chemistry and lipid profile were similar in both groups, although there was a higher proportion of patients in the control group taking ACE. After 6 months total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides reduction was higher in the intensive follow up group (33 vs. 24, 34 vs. 26 y 51 vs. 24 mg/dl, respectively) without realising statistical significance. Hospital readmissions were lesser in the intensive group (7.3% vs. 19.4%, P = 0.114). There was one death in each group.

CONCLUSIONS: Results show a tendency indicating that follow up planification is relevant to obtain the target lipid level recommended in the secondary prevention.