The Impact of De‐escalation of Antianginal Medications on Health Status After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BackgroundAntianginal medications (AAMs) can be perceived to be less important after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and may be de‐escalated after revascularization. We examined the frequency of AAM de‐escalation at discharge post‐PCI and its association with follow‐up health status. Methods and ResultsIn a 10‐center PCI registry, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire was assessed before and 6 months post‐PCI. AAM de‐escalation was defined as fewer AAMs at discharge versus admission or >25% absolute dose decrease. Of 2743 PCI patients (70% male), AAM were de‐escalated, escalated, and unchanged in 299 (11%), 714 (26%), and 1730 (63%) patients, respectively. Patients whose AAM were de‐escalated were more likely to report angina at 6 months, compared with unchanged or escalated AAM (34% versus 24% versus 21%; P