Open AccessUtilization and Dosing of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors for Heart Failure
Author(s) -
Chin Marshall H.,
Wang John C.,
Zhang James X.,
Lang Roberto M.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1997.07110.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dosing , angiotensin converting enzyme , specialty , heart failure , intensive care medicine , dose , emergency medicine , family medicine , blood pressure
To determine if physician specialty is associated with underutilization and underdosing of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors among patients with heart failure, we reviewed the charts of 214 outpatients with decreased systolic function at an urban academic medical center. Regardless of whether patients were cared for by cardiologists, generalist physicians, or a combination of the two specialties, approximately 75% of the patients were taking an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor. However, only approximately 60% of these patients were taking dosages proved to be efficacious in trials. Emphasis on adequate dosing is needed among all specialty groups. KEY WORDS: angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor; congestive heart failure; physician behavior; specialty; quality of care.