Acute coronary syndromes: 6c-Patients discharged on lipid-lowering therapy

Proportion of patients with a final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are prescribed lipid-lowering therapy at separation from hospital.

Lowering lipid levels (using statins) is an effective primary and secondary prevention treatment for vascular events, including stroke (Amarenco et al. 2006).

Both the numerator and the denominator include patients with acute chest pain, or other symptoms suggestive of ACS.

The denominator excludes statin-intolerant ACS patients, and other ACS patients for whom statins or other lipid-lowering therapies are contraindicated and for whom the contraindication is documented. Contraindications for statins may include advance care directives, being on a palliative care pathway, and clinical judgement, subject to discussion with patients, family and carers.

Presented as a percentage.

(Numerator ÷ denominator) x 100

Number of patients with a final diagnosis of ACS who are prescribed a statin or other lipid-lowering therapy at separation from hospital.

Number of patients with a final diagnosis of ACS who are separated from hospital.

N[NN]

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Amarenco P et al. 2006. High-dose atorvastatin after stroke or transient ischemic attack. New England Journal of Medicine 355(6):549–559.