Acute coronary syndrome: what do patients know?
Kathleen Dracup1, Sharon McKinley, Lynn V Doering
1School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. Kathy.Dracup@nursing.ucsf.edu
Archives of Internal Medicine
|May 28, 2008
Summary
Patients with heart disease often have poor knowledge of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) symptoms and treatment. Continued education is crucial for improving patient understanding of cardiac symptoms and early intervention benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Patient Education
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treatment effectiveness relies on prompt patient action.
- Patients with established ischemic heart disease often lack awareness of ACS symptoms and personal risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient knowledge of ACS symptoms and their self-perceived risk for future AMI.
- To identify factors associated with knowledge levels regarding heart disease in patients with prior cardiac events.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 3522 patients (mean age 67, 68% male) with a history of AMI or cardiac procedures was conducted.
- A 26-item instrument assessed knowledge of ACS symptoms, treatment-seeking behavior, and perceived future AMI risk.
- Statistical analysis identified correlations between knowledge scores and demographic/clinical factors.
Main Results:
- 46% of patients demonstrated low knowledge (<70% correct answers), with a mean score of 71%.
- Higher knowledge was linked to female sex, younger age, higher education, cardiac rehabilitation, and cardiologist care.
- Past AMI or cardiac surgery did not predict knowledge levels, and many patients underestimated their future AMI risk, especially post-coronary artery bypass surgery.
Conclusions:
- Despite medical interventions, patient knowledge of ACS symptoms and timely treatment remains inadequate.
- Ongoing reinforcement of cardiac symptom recognition, early treatment advantages, and individual risk is essential for patients with heart disease.
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