β-blockers in Post ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patient with Low Left Ventricular Systolic Function: A Retrospective Study at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal

Aims: Despite well developed guidelines in the management of ST elevation myocardial infarction with low left ventricular ejection fraction, β-blockers remain an underutilized therapy. We aim to assess the adherence of β-blocker use during the discharge in Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Study Design: Retrospective, Observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of cardiology, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. Between January 2012 to December 2012.

Methodology: Medical records of 160ST elevation myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% and discharged from our centre were retrospectively reviewed regarding the use of β-blocker.

Results: Among the 160 patients, 112 (70%) were males and 48 (30%) were females, mean age was 59.1±13.4 years. Anterior wall myocardial infarction followed by extensive anterior wall was the common in patient with low left ventricular ejection fraction after ST elevation myocardial infarction. Only in 67.5% patients β-blockers were prescribed. Metoprolol tartrate was the most commonly used β-blocker.

Conclusion: β-blocker use in patients ST elevation myocardial infarction patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction in our study is comparable to international studies. We still need some more effort to improve our prescription rate.