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Delay and hospitalisation with acute myocardial infarction
J A O'Hare1, H K Prasanna, B Abuaisha
1Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Limerick.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Patient delay in seeking medical help for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the primary cause of delayed hospitalization. Reducing this patient delay is crucial for effective AMI treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requires prompt medical attention for optimal outcomes.
- Understanding delays in patient care is vital for improving AMI treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient behavior and identify key components contributing to delayed hospitalisation in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cases.
- To analyze the duration and sources of delay from symptom onset to hospital admission.
Main Methods:
- Prospective examination of 149 consecutive patients with confirmed AMI.
- Analysis of total delay time, including time to seek medical help, general practitioner (GP) contact, and hospital transportation.
Main Results:
- Median total delay to hospitalisation was 210 minutes.
- Median delay in seeking medical help was 105 minutes, constituting the largest component of delay.
- No significant differences in help-seeking delay were observed based on sex, age, or prior ischemic heart disease history.
Conclusions:
- Patient delay in seeking help is the most significant factor prolonging time to treatment for AMI.
- Interventions aimed at reducing patient-related delays are essential for improving AMI management and patient outcomes.