Gender differences in calls to 9-1-1 during an acute coronary syndrome
Jonathan D Newman1, Karina W Davidson, Siqin Ye
1Center for Cardiovascular Behavioral Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Insights
Women with myocardial infarctions (MIs) are more likely to call 911 than men. However, both genders need increased 911 utilization during acute coronary syndromes (ACS) for timely treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Gender Health Disparities
Background:
- Calling emergency services for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) reduces treatment times and improves outcomes.
- Limited data exist on gender differences in symptom presentation and 911 utilization during ACS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender disparities in 911 calling behavior among patients experiencing ACS.
- To identify factors influencing the decision to call 911 in men versus women with ACS.
Main Methods:
- Patient interviews and structured medical chart reviews were used to collect data.
- 911 call data were self-reported and validated against medical records.
- 476 patients with unstable angina or myocardial infarctions (MIs) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Overall, only 23% of ACS patients called 911.
- Women with unstable angina called 911 at similar rates to men (15% vs. 13%).
- Women with MIs were significantly more likely to call 911 than men (57% vs. 28%), a trend that persisted after statistical adjustments (PR 1.79).
Conclusions:
- Gender influences 911 utilization during myocardial infarctions, with women being more likely to call.
- Initiatives promoting timely emergency calls are crucial for both women and men experiencing ACS.
Abstract:
Calling 911 during acute coronary syndromes (ACS) decreases time to treatment and may improve prognosis. Women may have more atypical ACS symptoms compared to men, but few data are available on differences in gender and ACS symptoms in calling 911. In this study, patient interviews and structured chart reviews were conducted to determine gender differences in calling 911. Calls to 911 were assessed by self-report and validated by medical chart review. Of the 476 patients studied, 292 (61%) were diagnosed with unstable angina and 184 (39%) with myocardial infarctions (MIs). Overall, only 23% of patients called 911. Similar percentages of women and men with unstable angina called 911 (15% and 13%, respectively, p = 0.59). In contrast, women with MIs were significantly more likely to call 911 than men (57% vs 28%, p <0.001). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, health insurance status, history of MI, the left ventricular ejection fraction, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score, and ACS symptoms, women were 1.79 times more likely to call 911 during an MI than men (prevalence ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 2.64, p <0.01). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that initiatives to increase calls to 911 are needed for women and men.
More Related Videos
05:41Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Ligation for Ischemia-Reperfusion Research: Model Improvement via Technical Modifications and Quality Control
Published on: December 16, 2022
04:05Clinical Application of Phase Angle and BIVA Z-Score Analyses in Patients Admitted to an Emergency Department with Acute Heart Failure
Published on: June 30, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
01:26Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies