Australian and New Zealand hospitals are failing to take simple steps needed to prevent repeat heart attacks among survivors.
A new study shows only one in four leaves hospital with the best combination of medication, lifestyle advice and referrals for rehabilitation.
It shows many are on three or fewer medications at discharge, when most should be on five. There is also inconsistent guidance about about healthy eating, exercise and smoking.
"The majority of patients leaving hospital miss out on the most basic care they need to avoid repeat heart attacks," said study leader Associate Professor Julie Redfern of The George Institute and The University of Sydney.
A greater concern, she said, was that only about half of those who received best-practice treatment at discharge made long-term lifestyle changes or continued taking their medication.
Her team assessed the treatment of 4000 heart patients admitted to hospital in Australia and New Zealand in a two-week period in May 2012 and have published a paper in the Heart Journal, which is published by the British Medical Journal.
Prof Redfern is leading follow-up research that explores the link between long-term health and discharge care.
People often underestimate the damage caused by repeat heart attacks or ongoing heart disease said the Heart Foundation of Australia's Dr Rob Grenfell.
"It's vital that we ensure patients are given the right tool kit to reduce their risk of a secondary event."
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