Regional Networking for Decreasing Mortality in Acute Coronary Syndromes on a Target Population of 1 Million Inhabitants

Aim: In a period of 4 years we created a regional registry on acute coronary syndromes on a target population of 1 million inhabitants, and we followed the evolution of all patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). During this period we performed an intense educational activity in order to increase the adherence to European guidelines regarding the treatment of ACS. Material and method: The registry included 10 hospitals in 2004 and 13 hospitals in the following years, serving a population of 1 million inhabitants. Data regarding clinical presentation, risk factors, therapy and evolution were collected, centralized and processed in the clinic of cardiology of Targu Murescedil. Results: The registry included a number of 3455 patients with ACS, from which 1457 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 1998 unstable angina (UA). Mortality rates in AMI in the territorial hospitals was: 19,8% in 2004 which decreased to 11.04% in 2007, in parallel with an increase in the number of cases sent to interventional center (from 20% in 2004 to 28.51% in 2007). Conclusions: After the experience in running a registry on ACS, we conclude that we succeeded to decrease the mortality rates in AMI by increasing the adherence to European guidelines and by increasing the rates of patients sent to interventional center.