INTRODUCTION: Treatment of acute myocardial infarction is undergoing changes. In the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in particular the following proved useful: thrombolysis, administration of anti-aggregating drugs, beta-blockers and inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme. An decisive part is played by the interval between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of hospital treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe treatment of patients hospitalized at intensive care units for acute myocardial infarctions. Investigate differences between faculty and other hospitals.

METHOD: The authors investigated by means of questionaires in a prospective study during the first three months in 1996 all patients who were hospitalized on account of acute myocardial infarction. The investigation was implemented in seven intensive care units of faculty hospitals and in nine intensive care units of hospitals and information on diagnosis, pharmacotherapy and results of therapy were assembled. During the first 24 hours of treatment more detailed information was procured.

RESULTS: Antiaggregants were used in 88%, nitrates in 77.8%, thrombolytics, beta-blockers and and ACE inhibitors in ca 30% patients. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was used in ca 7% patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors describe treatment of the acute stage of myocardial infarction. In faculty hospitals in 1996 thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, beta-blockers and nitrates by the i.v. route were used more frequently.

Keywords: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists /therapeutic use/; Adult; Aged; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors /therapeutic use/; Czech Republic; Drug Utilization; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents /therapeutic use/; Hospitals, University; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Myocardial Infarction /drug therapy/; Nitrates /therapeutic use/; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors /therapeutic use/; Prospective Studies