Clinical factors associated with pain in acute myocardial infarction
B W Karlson1, M Sjölin, J Herlitz
1Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Cardiology
|January 1, 1993
Insights
Acute myocardial infarction patients with prior angina, long delays, or no ambulance transport experienced prolonged pain during hospitalization. Understanding these factors aids in managing cardiac pain effectively.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a critical cardiovascular event.
- Pain course during hospitalization is a key indicator of patient experience and outcomes.
- Understanding factors influencing pain duration in AMI is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the duration of pain during hospitalization in an unselected population of acute myocardial infarction patients.
- To identify patient characteristics and pre-hospital factors associated with prolonged pain during AMI hospitalization.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 921 consecutive acute myocardial infarction patients.
- Data collection on pain course, patient history (angina pectoris), pre-hospital delay time, and mode of transport (ambulance vs. non-ambulance).
- Statistical analysis to determine factors correlating with longer pain duration.
Main Results:
- Patients with a history of angina pectoris reported longer pain duration.
- A particularly long pre-hospital delay time was associated with increased pain duration.
- Patients not transported by ambulance experienced longer pain durations compared to those transported by ambulance.
Conclusions:
- Pain duration in acute myocardial infarction is influenced by pre-existing angina, pre-hospital delays, and mode of transport.
- These findings highlight the importance of prompt medical attention and pre-hospital care in mitigating pain during AMI.
- Targeted interventions for high-risk groups may improve patient comfort and outcomes during AMI hospitalization.
Abstract:
In an unselected population of 921 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to one single hospital, regardless of age and whether they were admitted to the coronary care unit or not, we describe the course of pain during hospitalization. Patients with a history of angina pectoris, patients with a particularly long delay time, and patients not transported by ambulance had the longest duration of pain.
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