[Acute myocardial infarction: the evolving knowledge about the disease]

Important advances in the knowledge of pathophysiology and management of acute myocardial infarction have occurred lately. The results of large multicentric randomized trials allowed the introduction of new diagnostic techniques, patient stratification tools, drugs and treatment strategies to clinical practice. As a result, a significant reduction in mortality has been achieved. However there is a great variation in the adoption of the new diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations in different countries. In this issue of Revista Médica de Chile, a registry of patients with acute myocardial infarction treated in Chile between 1993 and 1995, is reported. The mean age of patients (62 +/- 12 years old), the proportion of males (74%) and the prevalence of risk factors is similar to that reported in series from developed countries. Similarly, 33% of patients received thrombolytic therapy, and the pattern of drug use was comparable. The 13.4% global mortality can be improved. An early consultation to health services when an acute myocardial infarction is suspected should be encouraged in the population. Likewise, treatment norms for health institutions should be devised.