Missed acute myocardial infarction: an underrecognized problem that contributes to poor patient outcomes

Chun Shing Kwok1,2, Christian D Mallen1

  • 1School of Medicine, Keele University.

Coronary Artery Disease
|November 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Missed acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a global health concern, increasing complication and mortality risks. This review examines factors contributing to missed AMI and strategies for reducing its occurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of global mortality.
  • While advancements have reduced acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality, missed diagnoses persist.
  • Missed AMI is linked to higher complication rates and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the rates and contributing factors of missed acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • To discuss challenges in diagnosing AMI and potential strategies for improvement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on missed acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • Analysis of variability in reported missed AMI rates based on methodology and population.

Main Results:

  • Missed AMI rates vary significantly due to differences in evaluation settings, populations, definitions, and timing.
  • Patient, clinician, and institutional factors all contribute to missed diagnoses.
  • Heterogeneity in study methodologies complicates the understanding of missed AMI prevalence and associated factors.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing missed acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
  • Standardizing evaluation methods and understanding contributing factors are key to reducing missed diagnoses.
  • Further research is needed to develop effective strategies to minimize missed AMI events.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
418
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
227
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
111
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
114
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
218
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
155