Cor Vasa 2014, 56(4):e325-e332 | DOI: 10.1016/j.crvasa.2014.04.003

Decrease in annual incidence of acute coronary syndrome and restructuring of coronary care in Latvia

Andrejs Erglis^a,b,c,*, Aija Maca^a, Inga Narbute^a,c, Sanda Jegere^a,c, Svetlana Ratobilska^a, Agnese Knipse^a, Vilnis Dzerve^c, Iveta Bajare^c, Ilja Zakke^a

^a Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia

^b University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia

^c Institute of Cardiology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia

Introduction: Improvement in coronary heart disease prevention and treatment, as well as availability of coronary care facilities, are important measures for reduction of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) incidence. Centralized acute coronary care system is crucial to provide optimal hospitalization and management algorithm for ACS patients.

Aim: The aim of the current report was to assess annual incidence of ACS, and quality of acute coronary care in Latvia.

Methods: The data from The Latvian Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes were analyzed covering the time period from year 2005 to year 2010.

Results: Since the year 2005 the annual incidence of hospitalization due to ACS decreased significantly in Latvia. Annual incidence of non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) decreased from 8 019 to 4 613 in absolute numbers based on the registry data during six years. Improvement in use of guidelines based therapy and early invasive strategy in ACS patients was observed. Increase in primary percutaneous coronary intervention was achieved from 7.9% in year 2005 to 57.0% in year 2010 contributing to reduction in proportion of STEMI patients without any reperfusion (from 45% in year 2005 to 21% in year 2010).

Conclusions: Annual incidence of hospitalized ACS, especially NSTE-ACS decreased, and guidelines based management of ACS improved from 2005 to 2010 in Latvia.

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Emergency medical services; Primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Received: March 3, 2014; Accepted: April 10, 2014; Published: August 1, 2014  Show citation