Implementing the GWTG‐CAD Program in Mexico: Feasibility, Challenges and Lessons Learned for Acute and Secondary Prevention and Management

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association's GWTG (Get With The Guidelines) program has demonstrated effectiveness in standardizing and improving cardiovascular care in the United States. This study describes the implementation of the GWTG-CAD (GWTG-Coronary Artery Disease) program in Mexico and evaluates its impact on adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy and key clinical processes. METHODS: Patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome from 10 hospitals in Mexico were included in the GWTG-CAD registry. Clinical processes and guideline-directed medical therapy use were assessed over the program's first 18 months, grouped into preprogram, 0 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, and 12 to 18 months. RESULTS: <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the GWTG-CAD program in Mexico enabled the identification of critical barriers in cardiac care and supported targeted quality-improvement strategies, resulting in measurable improvements in clinical processes over 18 months.