One-year mortality after acute myocardial infarction prior to and after the implementation of a widespread use of thrombolysis and aspirin -: Experiences from the community of Goteborg, Sweden

During 1 year of follow-up, we compared the mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) prior to and after the introduction of a more widespread use of thrombolytic agents and aspirin. Study period: Two periods (I = 1986-1987 and II = 1989-1990) were compared. Patients: All patients admitted to the coronary care units at the two city hospitals in the community of Goteborg who fulfilled the criteria for development of AMI participated in the evaluation. Results: The overall 1-year mortality rate was 24% during period I and 23% during period II (NS). However, among patients up to 70 years of age, the mortality was reduced from 15 to 11% (p < 0.05), whereas among patients aged over 70 years the mortality remained almost unchanged (34 vs. 35%; NS). Conclusion: The introduction of a more widespread use of thrombolytic agents and aspirin has not substantially changed the overall mortality in AMI. However, among younger patients, the mortality appears to have been reduced but not among the elderly.