[Environmental factors associated with the decision time for seeking care in myocardial infarction]

The purpose was to estimate the decision time (DT) for searching for attendance for men and women suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI); and to analyze the influence of surrounding variables in the DT. Transversal study, involving one hundred patients interviewed in hospitals of Salvador-BA, Brazil. For data analysis, it was used the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test, and the Robust Linear Regression Model. AMI at the home predominated, with family members and patients receiving mistaken actions. A high DT was observed both, for women (0.9h) and men (1.4h). Those at home during the initial symptoms had higher DT, compared to those at work; and lower in relation to those in public spaces (p=0.047). Statistically significant interaction occurred among gender and the fact of living with company; and among gender and having a companion and children, for the outcome of the DT. Nursing care focused on the specificity of surrounding factors and gender can optimize early attendance.