[Non-complicated myocardial infarct and early discharge]

The length of the hospital stay after uncomplicated myocardial infarction has been evaluated by the cardiological community. In the last few decades the number of hospitalization days have progressively been reduced and in the United States patients with acute myocardial infarction are now discharged on the fifth day. Recently clinical studies and cost-effectiveness analysis to further reduce the length of the hospital stay have been presented. In Italy the length of the hospital stay is approximately 10 days, as shown in LATIN, a recently performed large multicenter study. This paper discusses the problems regarding low risk patients, the day of discharge, the need for safety and educational, medical and therapeutical care continuity. A multicenter Italian study to modify the present status and to evaluate the feasibility and the economical consequences of a shorter hospital stay is proposed.