Prehospital delay interval for patients who use emergency medical services: the effect of heart-related medical conditions and demographic variables

Disparities in Emergency Medical Services Care Delivery in the United States: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Emergency medical services (EMS) often serve as the first medical contact for ill or injured patients, representing a critical access point to the health care delivery continuum. While a growing body of literature suggests inequities in care within hospitals and emergency departments, limited research has comprehensively explored disparities related to patient demographic characteristics in prehospital care.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to summarize the existing literature on disparities in prehospital care delivery for patients identifying as members of an underrepresented race, ethnicity, sex, gender, or sexual orientation group.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed (gray) literature. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Proquest Dissertations, Scopus, Google, and professional websites for studies set in the U.S. between 1960 and 2021. Each abstract and full-text article was screened by two reviewers. Studies written in English that addressed the underrepresented groups of interest and investigated EMS-related encounters were included. Studies were excluded if a disparity was noted incidentally but was not a stated objective or discussed. Data extraction was conducted using a standardized electronic form. Results were summarized qualitatively using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five full-text articles from the peer-reviewed literature and two articles from the gray literature met inclusion criteria: 25 studies investigated sex/gender, 61 studies investigated race/ethnicity, and 58 studies investigated both. One study investigated sexual orientation. The most common health conditions evaluated were out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (n = 50), acute coronary syndrome (n = 36), and stroke (n = 31). The phases of EMS care investigated included access (n = 55), pre-arrival care (n = 46), diagnosis/treatment (n = 42), and response/transport (n = 40), with several studies covering multiple phases. Disparities were identified related to all phases of EMS care for underrepresented groups, including symptom recognition, pain management, and stroke identification. The gray literature identified public perceptions of EMS clinicians' cultural competency and the ability to appropriately care for transgender patients in the prehospital setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing research highlights health disparities in EMS care delivery throughout multiple health outcomes and phases of EMS care. Future research is needed to identify structured mechanisms to eliminate disparities, address clinician bias, and provide high-quality equitable care for all patient populations.

Comparisons of Prehospital Delay and Related Factors Between Acute Ischemic Stroke and Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background

Prehospital delay is an important contributor to poor outcomes in both acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to compare the prehospital delay and related factors between AIS and AMI.

Methods and Results

We identified patients with AIS and AMI who were admitted to the 11 Korean Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Centers via the emergency room between July 2016 and December 2018. Delayed arrival was defined as a prehospital delay of >3 hours, and the generalized linear mixed‐effects model was applied to explore the effects of potential predictors on delayed arrival. This study included 17 895 and 8322 patients with AIS and AMI, respectively. The median value of prehospital delay was 6.05 hours in AIS and 3.00 hours in AMI. The use of emergency medical services was the key determinant of delayed arrival in both groups. Previous history, 1‐person household, weekday presentation, and interhospital transfer had higher odds of delayed arrival in both groups. Age and sex had no or minimal effects on delayed arrival in AIS; however, age and female sex were associated with higher odds of delayed arrival in AMI. More severe symptoms had lower odds of delayed arrival in AIS, whereas no significant effect was observed in AMI. Off‐hour presentation had higher and prehospital awareness had lower odds of delayed arrival; however, the magnitude of their effects differed quantitatively between AIS and AMI.

Conclusions

The effects of some nonmodifiable and modifiable factors on prehospital delay differed between AIS and AMI. A differentiated strategy might be required to reduce prehospital delay.

Gender Disparities in Cardiac Catheterization Rates Among Emergency Department Patients With Chest Pain

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have noted differences in rates of cardiac testing based on gender of patients. We evaluated cardiac catheterization rates for men and women presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain, particularly among patients without a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or recent positive stress test.

METHODS

We performed a prospective evaluation of patients presenting to an urban, academic medical center for assessment of chest pain. We recorded baseline information, testing, and outcomes related to ED, observation unit, and inpatient stay. Primary outcomes included gender differences in cardiac catheterization and stenting rates among patients without an MI or positive stress test.

RESULTS

Over the 5.5 year study period, 2242 ED patients with chest pain participated in the study (45% male). Men and women had similar rates of cardiac stress testing (16.7% vs. 15.2%, P = 0.317) as well as similar rates of positive cardiac stress testing (2.9% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.116). Men were more likely to undergo cardiac catheterization (10.4% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.001). Men who had neither MI nor positive stress test were more likely than women to undergo cardiac catheterization: 5.8% versus 3.3%, P = 0.010. Similarly, men in this group were more likely to experience stent placement: 2.1% versus 0.7%, P = 0.003.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to previous studies, we noted disparities in cardiac testing by gender. Men were more likely to go to cardiac catheterization without an MI or a positive stress test. This disparity in a more aggressive strategy of cardiac catheterization in men may result in higher stenting rates in this group.

Impact of living alone on the care and outcomes of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the association between living alone at home and the care and outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

METHODS

In total, 557 patients with STEMI underwent pPCI between January 2008 and September 2017. Among them, we included 208 patients who were transferred directly by emergency medical services from their home to the hospital.

RESULTS

Patients were classified into two groups, namely living alone (n = 45) and living with others (n = 163). There were no significant differences in age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups. The onset-to-door (OTD) and onset-to-balloon times were significantly shorter in patients living with others than in those living alone (106.4 vs. 190.8 min, p < 0.01 and 152.3 vs. 236.9 min; p < 0.01, respectively). The left ventricular ejection fraction after pPCI was significantly lower in patients living alone than in those living with others (48.7 % vs. 54.9 %, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that living alone and the incidence of congestive heart failure were independent predictors of a longer OTD time.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients living alone were less likely to arrive early at the hospital than those living with others. A greater understanding of the inter-relationships among living alone, access to acute cardiac care, and outcomes is essential.

The association between ethnicity and delay in seeking medical care for chest pain: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of ACSs. A rapid response to chest pain by patients and appropriate management by health professionals are vital to improve survival rates.People from different ethnic groups are likely to have different perceptions of chest pain, its severity and the need for urgent treatment. These differences in perception may contribute to differences in response to chests pain and precipitate unique coping strategies. Delay in seeking medical care for chest pain in the general population has been well documented; however, limited studies have focused on delay times within ethnic groups. There is little research to date as to whether ethnicity is associated with the time taken to seek medical care for chest pain. Consequently, addressing this gap in knowledge will play a crucial role in improving the health outcomes of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients suffering from chest pain and for developing appropriate clinical practice and public awareness for these populations.

OBJECTIVES

The current review aimed to determine if there is an association between ethnicity and delay in seeking medical care for chest pain among CALD populations.

INCLUSION CRITERIA TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS

Patients from different ethnic minority groups presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with chest pain.

TYPES OF EXPOSURE

The current review will examine studies that evaluate the association between ethnicity and delay in seeking medical care for chest pain among CALD populations.

TYPES OF STUDIES

The current review will consider quantitative studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, quasi-experimental, before and after studies, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies and analytical cross-sectional studies.

OUTCOMES

The current review will consider studies that measure delay time as the main outcome. The time will be measured as the interval between the time of symptom onset and time to reach an ED.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive search was undertaken for relevant published and unpublished studies written in English with no date restriction. All searches were conducted in October 2014. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, ProQuest (health databases only), Informit, Sociological Abstracts, Scopus and Web of Science. The search for unpublished studies included a wide range of 'gray literature' sources including national libraries, digital theses repositories and clinical trial registries. We also targeted specific health research, specialist cardiac, migrant health, and emergency medicine organizational websites and/or conferences. We also checked the reference lists of included studies and contacted authors when further details about reported data was required to make a decision about eligibility.

METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY

Papers selected for retrieval were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity prior to being included in the review. Validity was assessed using standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Adjudication was produced by the third reviewer.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted from included articles by two independent reviewers using the standardized data extraction tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The extracted data were synthesized into a narrative summary. Meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneity of study protocols and methods used to measure outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies, with a total of 1,511,382 participants, investigating the association between ethnicity and delay met the inclusion criteria. Delay times varied across ethnic groups, including Black, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Chinese. Seven studies reported delay in hours and ranged from 1.90 to 3.10 h. Delay times were longer among CALD populations than the majority population. The other three studies reported delay time in categories of time (e.g. <1, <4 and <6 h) and found larger proportions of later presentations to the EDs among ethnic groups compared with the majority groups.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence of an association between ethnicity and time taken in seeking medical care for chest pain, with patients from some ethnic minorities (e.g. Black, Asian, Hispanic and South Asian) taking longer than those of the majority population. Health promotions and health campaigns focusing on these populations are indicated.

Prehospital Delay in Older Adults with Acute Myocardial Infarction: The ComprehenSIVe Evaluation of Risk Factors in Older Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Timely administration of antiischemic therapies improves outcomes in individuals with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Prior literature on delays in AMI care has largely focused on in-hospital delay ("door to balloon" time). Our objective was to identify factors associated with prehospital delay in a contemporary national cohort of older adults with AMI.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of data from the ComprehenSIVe Evaluation of Risk Factors in Older Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (SILVER-AMI) study, an observational study of older adults hospitalized for AMI.

SETTING

U.S. academic and community hospitals (N = 94).

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 75 and older hospitalized for AMI (N = 2,500).

MEASUREMENTS

Prehospital delay was defined as symptom duration of 6 hours or longer before hospital presentation and was obtained according to participant or caregiver report during AMI hospitalization. Potential predictors of delay from demographic, clinical presentation, comorbid conditions, function, and social support domains were obtained through in-person assessment during the index hospitalization and medical record abstraction.

RESULTS

Nonwhite race (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.54, P = .002), atypical symptoms (aOR = 1.41, P = .001), and heart failure (HF) (aOR = 1.35, P = .006 for HF) were significantly associated with delay.

CONCLUSION

In contrast with younger AMI populations, female sex and diabetes mellitus were not associated with delay in this older cohort, but factors from other domains (nonwhite race, atypical symptoms, and HF) were significantly associated with delay. These results can be used to customize future public health efforts to encourage early presentation for older adults with AMI.

Ambulance use in acute coronary syndrome in Ireland: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

As myocardial salvage is time dependent, prompt emergency department attendance is imperative in the presence of unresolved acute coronary syndrome symptoms. Although ambulance use is the recommended mode of transport during an acute coronary syndrome event, people regularly have misperceptions about its role. Consequently, many fail to use this service when warranted.

AIM

To evaluate factors associated with ambulance usage among patients admitted to emergency departments with acute coronary syndrome symptoms in Ireland.

METHODS

Patients (N=1947) diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome were recruited across five hospitals. The ACS Response Index was used to identify mode of transport to access the emergency department, symptom context and experience and the rationale for non-ambulance use. Using logistic regression, predictors of ambulance use were identified.

RESULTS

Only 40.1% of the sample used an ambulance. The primary reason for non-ambulance use was the perception that it was unwarranted (31%). A further 23.8% thought another mode of transportation would be faster. Independent predictors of ambulance usage differed among the three sub-diagnoses of acute coronary syndrome. For each group, visiting the general practitioner with symptoms was associated with a greater likelihood of not using an ambulance.

CONCLUSION

The use of ambulance services is not positively embraced by the public. Furthermore, it appears that general practitioners may not always promote its use, particularly in the early stages of acute coronary syndrome symptom onset. The findings from our study suggest that a public education drive is necessary to promote ambulance usage during an acute coronary syndrome event.

Pain modulation efficiency delays seeking medical help in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Rapid reperfusion is crucial to reduce mortality in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. Prehospital patient delay, defined as time from symptoms onset to the decision to seek medical attention, accounts for a large proportion of cases with delayed reperfusion. However, whether pain modulation processes are involved in this phenomenon is not known. We hypothesized that prehospital patient delay may be affected by a reduction of perceived pain perception and pain modulation pattern. Pain threshold, magnitude estimation of suprathreshold stimulation, mechanical temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and recalls of pain magnitude at the onset of chest pain were obtained in 67 patients with first ST elevation myocardial infarction. The study's primary outcome was prehospital patient delay. The median patient delay was 24 (interquartile range, 0.5-72) hours. Of all psychophysical pain measures including pain threshold, magnitude estimation of suprathreshold stimulation, mechanical temporal summation, as well as CPM, only warm sensation threshold was independently associated with lower clinical chest pain intensity (P = 0.01). Multivariable regression analysis (R = 0.449; P < 0.0001) revealed an inverse independent association between chest pain intensity (P < 0.001) and patient delay, whereas efficient CPM was positively associated with prolonged patient delay (P = 0.034). The electrocardiography-derived myocardial ischemic area was not associated with chest pain intensity or patient delay, indicating that the affected ischemic tissue is not a dominant component that determines pain response. In conclusion, beyond the perceived chest pain intensity, the activation pattern of descending inhibition pathways during coronary occlusion affects pain interpretation and behavior during acute coronary occlusion.

Time intervals and associated factors of emergency treatment: first insight into Pakistani system

The objective of this study is to determine the time interval from decision to seek medical help and arrival of the patients to the emergency department (ED). The duration of stay in ED was also calculated. This study also assesses factors responsible delayed presentation to hospital. This prospective study was conducted during day timings (9 am to 3 pm) from May 2012 to August 2012 in ED at Civil Hospital, Karachi. Patients older than 18 years and meeting the inclusion criteria were considered to be eligible for the study. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17. The study sample consisted of 4,226 patients with a response rate of 96.5%. The median decision time was 146 minutes (IQR = 74–339), median transit time was 84 minutes (IQR = 42–188), median physician time was 58 minutes (IQR = 47–103), median diagnostic time was 148 minutes (IQR = 135–192), median transfer time was 155 minutes (IQR = 118–274) and the median ED LOS was 327 minutes (IQR = 209–488). Patient beliefs regarding spontaneous resolution of the symptoms was the most common reason (44.8%) cited for increased time spent in taking decision to seek medical help. Mode of transportation other than ambulance and traffic gridlock were the most common reasons found to be significantly associated with increased transit time (p < 0.05). The time intervals calculated from our study were found to be higher than studies reported from countries. This calls for urgent intervention for formulation of triage systems to improve patient treatment and satisfaction.

Inconsistent measurement of acute coronary syndrome patients' pre-hospital delay in research: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Patients' treatment-seeking delay remains a significant barrier to timely initiation of reperfusion therapy. Measurement of treatment-seeking delay is central to the large body of research that has focused on pre-hospital delay (PHD), which is primarily patient-related. This research has aimed to quantify PHD and its effects on morbidity and mortality, identify contributing factors, and evaluate interventions to reduce such delay. A definite time of symptom onset in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is essential for determining delay, but difficult to establish. This literature review aimed to explore the variety of operational definitions of both PHD and symptom onset in published research.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed the English-language literature from 1998-2013 for operational definitions of PHD and symptom onset. Of 626 papers of possible interest, 175 were deemed relevant. Ninety-seven percent reported a delay time and 84% provided an operational definition of PHD. Three definitions predominated: (a) symptom onset to decision to seek help (18%); (b) symptom onset to hospital arrival (67%), (c) total delay, incorporating two or more intervals (11%). Of those that measured delay, 8% provided a definition of which symptoms triggered the start of timing.

CONCLUSION

We found few and variable operational definitions of PHD, despite American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association recommendations to report specific intervals. Worryingly, definitions of symptom onset, the most elusive component of PHD to establish, are uncommon. We recommend that researchers (a) report two PHD delay intervals (onset to decision to seek care, and decision to seek care to hospital arrival), and (b) develop, validate and use a definition of symptom onset. This will increase clarity and confidence in the conclusions from, and comparisons within and between studies.

Factors associated with longer time to treatment for patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Rapid treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is important; causes of delay in emergency medical services care of ACS are poorly understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed an analysis of data from IMMEDIATE (Immediate Myocardial Metabolic Enhancement during Initial Assessment and Treatment in Emergency Care), a randomized controlled trial of emergency medical services treatment of people with symptoms suggesting ACS, using hierarchical multiple regression of elapsed time. Out-of-hospital ECGs were performed on 54,230 adults calling 9-1-1; 871 had presumed ACS, 303 of whom had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Women, participants with diabetes mellitus, and participants without previous cardiovascular disease waited longer to call 9-1-1 (by 28 minutes, P<0.01; 10 minutes, P=0.03; and 6 minutes, P=0.02, respectively), compared with their counterparts. Time from emergency medical services arrival to ECG was longer for women (1.5 minutes; P<0.01), older individuals (1.3 minutes; P<0.01), and those without a primary complaint of chest pain (3.5 minutes; P<0.01). On-scene times were longer for women (2 minutes; P<0.01) and older individuals (2 minutes; P<0.01). Older individuals and participants presenting on weekends and nights had longer door-to-balloon times (by 10, 14, and 11 minutes, respectively; P<0.01). Women and older individuals had longer total times (medical contact to balloon inflation: 16 minutes, P=0.01, and 9 minutes, P<0.01, respectively; symptom onset to balloon inflation: 31.5 minutes for women; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

We found delays throughout ACS care, resulting in substantial differences in total times for women and older individuals. These delays may impact outcomes; a comprehensive approach to reduce delay is needed.

Cardiovascular disease in women

Gender-specific data focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) are becoming increasingly available. This is of great importance, given that CVD has become the number 1 killer of women, and unlike for men, mortality rates do not seem to be declining. Many factors are cited as the causes of sex-based differences, including delays in recognizing symptoms, underutilization of diagnostic tests and treatments, as well as anatomic, physiological, and genetic factors. Evidence of fundamental biological differences in vascular function and the underlying pathologic processes is only beginning to elucidated, motivated by growing evidence of differences in clinical presentations and outcomes between men and women. The good news is that we are starting to see improvements in outcomes for women, such as after coronary revascularization; decrease in complication rates with the advent of new techniques, such as radial access for cardiac catheterizations; as well as increased participation of women in clinical trials. The underlying mechanisms of ischemic heart disease remain to be elucidated, and will help guide therapy and ultimately may explain the higher prevalence of : subendocardial myocardial infarctions, spontaneous arterial dissections, plaque erosion, increased vasospastic disorders, such as coronary microvascular disease, and pulmonary hypertension in women compared with men. We have made great progress in understanding gender-related differences in CVDs, but much remains to be done to optimize the prevention of CVD for both men and women.

Effect of marriage on duration of chest pain associated with acute myocardial infarction before seeking care

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death in the Western world, and being married decreases the risk of death from cardiovascular causes. We aimed to determine whether marital status was a predictor of the duration of chest pain endured by patients with acute myocardial infarction before they sought care and whether the patient's sex modified the effect.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort analysis of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to 96 acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada, from April 2004 to March 2005. We excluded patients who did not experience chest pain. Using multivariable regression analyses, we assessed marital status in relation to delayed presentation to hospital (more than six hours from onset of pain), both overall and stratified by sex. In patients who reported the exact duration of chest pain, we assessed the effect of marital status on the delay in seeking care.

RESULTS

Among 4403 eligible patients with acute myocardial infarction, the mean age was 67.3 (standard deviation 13.6) years, and 1486 (33.7%) were women. Almost half (2037 or 46.3%) presented to a hospital within two hours, and 3240 (73.6%) presented within six hours. Overall, 75.3% (2317/3079) of married patients, 67.9% (188/277) of single patients, 68.5% (189/276) of divorced patients and 70.8% (546/771) of widowed patients presented within six hours of the onset of chest pain. Being married was associated with lower odds of delayed presentation (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-0.71, p < 0.001) relative to being single. Among men, the OR was 0.35 (95% CI 0.21-0.59, p < 0.001), whereas among women the effect of marital status was not significant (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.49-3.73, p = 0.55).

INTERPRETATION

Among men experiencing acute myocardial infarction with chest pain, being married was associated with significantly earlier presentation for care, a benefit that was not observed for married women. Earlier presentation for medical care appears to be one reason for the observed lower risk of cardiovascular death among married men, relative to their single counterparts.

Non-symptom-related factors contributing to delay in seeking medical care by patients with heart failure: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Delay in seeking timely medical care by patients with acute coronary syndrome and stroke has been well established in the literature, but less is known about delay in care-seeking behavior by patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the literature regarding non-symptom-related factors that contribute to delay in seeking medical care for HF symptoms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A literature search of Scopus, Medline, and Pubmed was conducted for published articles from database inception to July 2009. Available evidence has shown that non-symptom-related factors, such as HF severity, HF history, age, and ethnocultural background, were related to delay in certain studies; however, null results have also been reported. Other non-symptom-related factors, such as male gender, initial contact with a primary care physician, arriving in the emergency department by means other than ambulance, and patient responses such as self-care, low anxiety, and hopelessness, may play a role in longer delay.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this review identified several non-symptom-related factors that may be implicated in care-seeking delay, health care professionals should be vigilant in identifying all high-risk individuals and educating them about warning signs of HF. Moreover, access to outpatient chronic disease management programs that may have potential to reduce care-seeking delay behavior should be explored.

Early identification and delay to treatment in myocardial infarction and stroke: differences and similarities

Background

The two major complications of atherosclerosis are acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke. Both are life-threatening conditions characterised by the abrupt cessation of blood flow to respective organs, resulting in an infarction. Depending on the extent of the infarction, loss of organ function varies considerably.

In both conditions, it is possible to limit the extent of infarction with early intervention. In both conditions, minutes count.

This article aims to describe differences and similarities with regard to the way patients, bystanders and health care providers act in the acute phase of the two diseases with the emphasis on the pre-hospital phase.

Method

A literature search was performed on the PubMed, Embase (Ovid SP) and Cochrane Library databases.

Results

In both conditions, symptoms vary considerably. Patients appear to suspect AMI more frequently than stroke and, in the former, there is a gender gap (men suspect AMI more frequently than women).

With regard to detection of AMI and stroke at dispatch centre and in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) there is room for improvement in both conditions. The use of EMS appears to be higher in stroke but the overall delay to hospital admission is shorter in AMI. In both conditions, the fast track concept has been shown to influence the delay to treatment considerably.

In terms of diagnostic evaluation by the EMS, more supported instruments are available in AMI than in stroke. Knowledge of the importance of early treatment has been reported to influence delays in both AMI and stroke.

Conclusion

Both in AMI and stroke minutes count and therefore the fast track concept has been introduced. Time to treatment still appears to be longer in stroke than in AMI. In the future improvement in the early detection as well as further shortening to start of treatment will be in focus in both conditions. A collaboration between cardiologists and neurologists and also between pre-hospital and in-hospital care might be fruitful.

Age and sex differences in duration of prehospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in American men and women. Although there have been dramatic changes in the management of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) over the past several decades, a considerable proportion of patients with AMI continue to delay seeking medical care in a timely manner. This review provides an overview of the published literature that has examined age and sex differences in extent of prehospital delay in patients hospitalized with AMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic review of the literature from 1960 to 2008, including publications that provided data on duration of prehospital delay in patients hospitalized with AMI, was conducted. A total of 44 articles (42 studies) were included in the present analysis. The majority of studies showed that in patients hospitalized with AMI, women and older persons were more likely to arrive at the hospital later than men and younger persons. Several factors associated with duration of prehospital delay, including sociodemographic, medical history, clinical, and contextual characteristics differed according to sex.

CONCLUSIONS

The elderly and women were more likely to exhibit longer delays in seeking medical care after the development of symptoms suggestive of AMI compared with other groups. Further research is needed to more fully understand the reasons for delay in these vulnerable groups.

Prehospital thrombolysis: an idea whose time has come

Aggressive reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction (MI) characterized by acute ST-segment elevation leads to improved patient outcome. Furthermore, use of thrombolytic therapy is highly time-dependent: reperfusion therapy is beneficial within 12 h, but the earlier it is administered, the more beneficial it is. Thus, the focus of both prehospital and emergency department management of patients with acute MI is on rapid identification and treatment. There are many components to the time delays between the onset of symptoms of acute MI and the achievement of reperfusion in the occluded infarct-related artery. Time delays occur with both the patient and the prehospital emergency medical system, although patient delays are more significant. This article focuses on the prehospital management of acute MI, including (1) the rationale for rapid reperfusion in patients with acute MI, (2) the factors related to time delays in patient presentation to the hospital, and (3) strategies for reducing time delays, both patient- and medical system-based.

Sex differences in patients seeking medical attention for prodromal symptoms before an acute coronary event

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may experience nonspecific prodromal symptoms before their cardiac event. We used population-level data to determine the rate at which such patients seek medical attention for these symptoms, whether sex differences are present, and if an association between prodromes and 1-year mortality exists.

METHODS

All patients with ACS in Alberta, Canada, between April 1, 1999, and March 31, 2001, were included. Prodromes reported during all physician visits in the 90 days before ACS presentation consisted of (1) pain (chest, arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, throat, or leg); (2) anxiety/fatigue; (3) gastrointestinal disturbances; (4) head-related conditions (dizziness, headache, visual disturbances); and (5) other (sweating, shortness of breath, heart racing, cough, numbness).

RESULTS

Of 14,230 patients with ACS, 2,268 (15.9%, 45.6% women) sought medical attention for at least one prodrome, with pain and anxiety/fatigue most common. Prodromes were associated with increased cardiac investigations before ACS in both sexes. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, a significant interaction between sex and prodromes was found (P [interaction] = .011). Prodromes were associated with improved 1-year survival in women (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.95, P = .016, risk-adjusted mortality 8.7% vs 11.1% [without prodromes], P < .001) but not in men (adjusted hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.76-1.12, P = .422, 9.9% [with prodromes] vs 9.1% [without prodromes], P = .358).

CONCLUSIONS

A small proportion of patients with ACS seek medical attention for prodromal symptoms in the 90 days before ACS. Seeking help for these symptoms is associated with improved survival in women but not in men.

High prevalence of lack of knowledge of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction in Pakistan and its contribution to delayed presentation to the hospital

Background

We conducted an observational study to determine the delay in presentation to hospital, and its associates among patients experiencing first Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD) in Karachi. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The primary outcome was delay in presentation, defined as a time interval of six or more hours from the onset of symptoms to presentation to hospital. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with prehospital delay.

Results

A total of 720 subjects were interviewed; 22% were females. The mean age (SD) of the subjects was 54 (± 12) years. The mean (SE) and median (IQR) time to presentation was 12.3 (1.7) hours and 3.04 (6.0) hours respectively. About 34% of the subjects presented late. Lack of knowledge of any of the symptoms of heart attack (odds ratio (95% CI)) (1.82 (1.10, 2.99)), and mild chest pain (10.05 (6.50, 15.54)) were independently associated with prehospital delay.

Conclusion

Over one-third of patients with AMI in Pakistan present late to the hospital. Lack of knowledge of symptoms of heart attack, and low severity of chest pain were the main predictors of prehospital delay. Strategies to reduce delayed presentation in this population must focus on education about symptoms of heart attack.

Patient-dependent variables affecting treatment and prediction of acute coronary syndrome are age-related

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) prevails in older patients and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Little is known about patient-related variables that may affect course and treatment of ACS in older vs. younger with acute chest pain.

METHODS

Situational, circumstantial, and other patient-related variables were assessed in 1000 unselected consecutive older (> or =70 years) and younger (<70 years) patients admitted with chest pain and possible ACS.

RESULTS

In 182 older vs. 818 younger patients, prevalence of females, those not speaking the local language, living alone, lower education level, non-smokers, diabetes, hypertension, preexisting coronary artery disease, and attempting some form of self-treatment before seeking medical help were significantly greater (P<0.001). Interval from chest pain onset to emergency department arrival was longer (P=0.05), and a higher proportion of the older considered hospitalization mandatory, suspecting ACS (P<0.001). ACS eventually developed in 19.1% of younger and 39% of older patients (P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, most predictive of ACS in the younger group were: preexisting coronary artery disease (OR 5.27; 95% CI 3.44-8.07, P<0.001), current smoking (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.16-2.75, P=0.002), male sex (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.0-2.59, P=0.07), and older age (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.11-1.42, P=0.005). In the older group, these were: not speaking the local language (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.19-4.79, P=0.005), preexisting coronary artery disease (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.0-3.87, P=0.026), direct emergency department arrival (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.77, P=0.066), and diabetes (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.0-3.56, P=0.079).

CONCLUSIONS

We defined age-associated differences in patient-related variables that may predict ACS and affect treatment negatively. These variables might improve risk stratification upon hospitalization.

Are there sex-related differences in specialized, multidisciplinary congestive heart failure clinics?

BACKGROUND

Specialized, multidisciplinary clinics improve service provision and reduce morbidity for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Although sex-related differences in access to cardiac health services have been reported, it remains unclear whether there are sex-related differences in the use of these specialized services.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate possible sex-related differences in severity at entry into specialized, multidisciplinary clinics, and compare prescription patterns between male and female patients at these clinics.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the electronic clinical files of 765 CHF patients newly admitted to any of three main CHF clinics in Montreal, Quebec. Univariate and multivariate models were used to compare differences between sexes.

RESULTS

Only 27.1% of patients were female. The mean age (+/- SD) of the women in the present study was similar to that of the men (64+/-16 years versus 65+/-13 years, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction at entry for patients with reduced systolic function was comparable between sexes. The New York Heart Association functional class at entry was similar among men and women with systolic dysfunction. However, among patients with preserved systolic function, women were more symptomatic, with a higher functional class at entry (adjusted OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.18 to 5.38). Prescription profiles were similar for men and women.

CONCLUSION

Entry into a clinic may be delayed for women with preserved systolic function CHF. However, clinic referral patterns and disease management appeared to be similar among both men and women with systolic dysfunction CHF.

Comparison of coping responses to symptoms between first-time sufferers and those with a previous history of acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Little is known about how experience with a previous acute myocardial infarction (AMI) impacts individuals' reactions to symptoms of a recurrent episode. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the use of coping strategies during an acute cardiac event in patients experiencing a first AMI with those experiencing a recurrent AMI.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Secondary data analyses were performed to examine differences in the use of coping strategies between individuals with and without a history of AMI. Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare those with (n = 26) and without (n = 109) a previous AMI with respect to 15 coping strategies, each of which was measured on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a history of AMI were more likely to use prescribed medications to deal with their symptoms than were patients who did not have a previous AMI (M = 1.5 and 0.20; median = 2.0 and 0.0, respectively; P < .001). However, patients who had no previous AMI were more likely to respond by taking nonprescription medications (M = 0.90 and 0.60; median = 1.0 and 0.0, respectively; P = .04). The results suggest that patients with and without a history of AMI tend to respond to their symptoms with similar coping strategies. When differences occurred, patients with and without a history of AMI differed only with respect to the type of self-medication choices they made. Implications pertaining to these findings are discussed.

Information given to postmenopausal women on coronary computed tomography may influence cardiac risk reduction efforts

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is largely preventable through appropriate risk-factor modification. We sought to compare effects of comprehensive cardiac risk factor screening with and without computed tomography (CT) imaging of the coronary arteries on behavior change related to cardiac risk in postmenopausal women.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

56 postmenopausal women were randomized to alternative screening programs and followed for 1 year.

RESULTS

Subjects randomized (n=26) to the CT imaging group were shown images of their coronary arteries and received an interpretation from a radiologist. Most subjects in the CT group had a very low-risk (73.1%) coronary calcification score at baseline. Systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and cholesterol/HDL ratio declined significantly in the conventional screening group, but not in the CT imaging group (P<0.05). As compared to baseline values, study participation lead to significant reductions in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and blood pressure at 6 months (P<0.05) and triglyceride (P<0.05) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

CVD risk-screening programs can facilitate cardiac risk reduction in women, but these data do not support an independent benefit of coronary CT imaging in a low-to-moderate risk group. The possibility of a deleterious effect of imaging on patient commitment to lifestyle changes is suggested.

Myocardial infarction symptom recognition by the lay public: the role of gender and ethnicity

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To find out if gender and ethnicity are associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptom recognition and the recommendation of enlisting emergency medical services.

DESIGN

In an experiment, a random sample of the public was provided a scenario of a person experiencing symptoms of AMI; the gender of the character (male, female, or indeterminate) was manipulated.

SETTING

Vancouver, Canada

PARTICIPANTS

976 people from a population based random sample of 3419 people, 40 years of age and older, participated in a telephone survey given in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi.

MAIN RESULTS

78% of the respondents identified the symptoms as heart related. Unadjusted analyses showed that ethnicity, education, income, and AMI knowledge were significantly associated with symptom recognition (Chinese respondents were least likely to identify the symptoms as heart related). Thirty seven per cent recommended calling emergency services, which was associated with symptom recognition, ethnicity (Chinese respondents were least likely to make the recommendation), AMI knowledge, having an immediate family member with AMI, and having talked with a health professional about the signs and symptoms of AMI. Neither the gender of the respondent nor of the affected person in the scenario was associated with symptom recognition.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart health education must be targeted to and tailored for ethnic communities. Health professionals must discuss the signs and symptoms of AMI, and the correct course of action, with their patients.

Prehospital care pathway delays: gender and myocardial infarction

AIM

This paper reports the findings of a study that identified gender specific prehospital care pathway delays amongst Irish women and men with myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND

Women are more likely to experience a poorer prognosis than their male counterparts following hospitalization for myocardial infarction, yet research shows that women continue to experience prehospital care pathway delays.

METHODS

A 1-year prospective census was carried in six major academic teaching hospitals in Dublin, Ireland in 2001-2002. A total of 277 (31%) female and 613 (69%) male patients with confirmed myocardial infarction were included in the study.

RESULTS

Women were more likely to experience prolonged 'initial symptom-onset to A&E delays' (14 hours vs. 2.8 hours P < 0.0001), and 'intense symptom-onset to A&E delays' (3.1 hours vs. 1.8 hours , P < 0.0001), i.e. arrival at a hospital accident and emergency department. Advancing age was associated with greater prehospital delays (P < 0.0001), whilst patients with private health insurance had shorter delays than public patients (without private health insurance) or those with medical cards (entitling them to means-tested medical benefits) (P = 0.001). Patients who drove themselves by car to hospital had shorter median prehospital times than those arriving by any other admission mode (P < 0.0001), whilst those referred by their general practitioner had longer delays than those who were self-referred (5 hours vs. 1.7 hours, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender, advancing age, referral source, insurance status and mode of transport to hospital are independent factors contributing to prehospital patient delays. Nurses who care for patients with coronary artery disease have a unique opportunity to educate people about the most appropriate action to be taken in the event of experiencing symptoms.

Sociodemographic determinants of the utilization of specific types of complementary and alternative medicine: an analysis based on a nationally representative survey sample

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationships between selected sociodemographic factors and the use of particular types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the general U.S. population. CAMs make up a heterogeneous group of practices. Although it is well established that sociodemographic factors impact the use of conventional medicine, it is unclear which, if any, influence the use of particular types of CAM.

DESIGN

Data from a 1997-1998 nationally representative survey (n = 2055) was examined using descriptive and univariate analyses.

RESULTS

The impact of particular sociodemographic factors was found to vary by type of CAM considered. Whites used more CAM than non-Whites except in the case of prayer. Users of CAM tended to be better educated than nonusers with the exception of prayer, self-prayer, and use of a lay midwife. Women used more CAM than men, especially weight-change diet.

CONCLUSIONS

As with conventional medicine use, the patterns of CAM use vary by individual type of therapy considered. Analytically, grouping many heterogeneous practices into the CAM category hides important differences in use patterns.

Factors influencing emergency department arrival time and in-hospital management of patients with acute myocardial infarction

Reperfusion of the infarct-related artery in the very first hour ("golden hour") of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) significantly reduces mortality rates. Several factors may delay the initiation of reperfusion therapy (ie, thrombolytic therapy or primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [PCTA]), most of which are related to patients. A total of 520 patients with suspected AMI were evaluated in the emergency department of Dokuz Eylül University Hospital between March 1996 and October 1999. After inclusion criteria were applied, the study consisted of 178 patients with a history of AMI. Analyzed data that affected patients' arrival to the hospital were obtained from responses to a questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS; SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill), version 11.0, was used for all statistical analyses. The mean "symptom onset-hospital arrival time" was 188+/-325 min for the entire study group. The median delay was 110 min (approximately 2 h). Only 39 (22%) patients arrived to the hospital within the first hour. The mean time needed for late responders (n=109, 74%) (hospital arrival later than 1 h after symptom onset) to arrive was 245-/+363 min. According to the results of this study, many patients with AMI who may be eligible for reperfusion therapy miss the "golden hour" because of late hospital arrival. Some groups of patients (ie, elderly, women, those with diabetes) were especially late in arriving. To reduce such delays, training programs may be advised to focus on these groups of patients. Arrival times to the hospital during AMI can be greatly improved by efficient public education programs targeted to these groups.

Factors Associated With Prolonged Prehospital Delay of African Americans With Acute Myocardial Infarction

• Background Delays in seeking treatment for signs and symptoms of acute myocardial infarction are longer for African Americans than for whites.

• Objective To determine factors associated with prolonged delay and the extent to which perceived racism influences prehospital delay in African Americans with acute myocardial infarction.

• MethodsSixty-one African Americans with acute myocardial infarction were interviewed within 1 month of hospital admission. Delay times were calculated on the basis of the interviews. Independent t tests and χ2 tests were used to determine factors associated with prolonged delays.

• Results Median delay was 4.25 hours and did not differ significantly between women and men (4.42 vs 3.50 hours). Most patients (69%) experienced their initial signs and symptoms at home, often witnessed by family members or friends (70%). Delay was longer for insured patients than for uninsured patients (4.45 vs 0.50 hours). Single, widowed, or divorced patients had longer delay times than did married patients (5.33 vs 2.50 hours), and patients with diabetes delayed longer than did those without diabetes (7.29 vs 3.50 hours). Perceived racism did not differ significantly between patients who delayed seeking treatment and those who did not.

• Conclusions Median delay times were substantially longer than the recommended time of less than 1 hour, reducing the benefit from reperfusion therapies. Education and counseling of patients and their families should be a major strategy in optimizing patients’ outcomes and decreasing the time to definitive treatment.

Use of an air ambulance system improves time to treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to clarify whether a helicopter ambulance system (doctor helicopter system; DHS) could shorten the time interval to coronary intervention in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in comparison with ground ambulance (GA).

METHODS

The time from the emergency call to coronary angiography (CAG time) or to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI time), and the inhospital outcome were evaluated in 76 AMI patients. Twenty patients were transported by DHS, and the other 56 were by GA.

RESULTS

Both CAG time and PCI time were significantly shorter in the DHS (98.8+/-29.2 min, and 169.6+/-57.4 min) than those of the GA (126.6+/-48.7 min, and 203.2+/-57.0 min; p<0.05) group. Inhospital mortality was lower in the DHS (5.0%) versus the GA (10.7%) group.

CONCLUSION

Use of DHS shortened the time interval to coronary intervention and also improved the inhospital prognosis of AMI patients.

Depression and prehospital delay in the context of myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how depression might influence treatment-seeking behaviors in the context of evolving symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

Post-MI patients (n = 433) completed a retrospective self-report measure of depressive symptoms with regard to the 2 weeks preceding the MI and a semistructured interview regarding their treatment-seeking behaviors.

RESULTS

Survival analyses found that delay in seeking treatment for acute MI symptoms was observed among participants who (1) attributed their symptoms to noncardiac causes, (2) perceived their symptoms to be relatively mild, (3) experienced gastrointestinal distress, (4) did not experience sweating, and (5) reported being depressed during the 2 weeks before hospitalization. Subsidiary analyses indicated that, among depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance and fatigue predicted delay.

CONCLUSION

Depression warrants further attention as a variable that may influence treatment seeking for MI symptoms. Results highlight the need to adequately screen for and treat depression among persons at risk for MI.

Differences Between Men and Women in Terms of Clinical Features of ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Many studies have examined sex-related differences in the clinical features of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, prospective studies are scant, and sex-related differences in symptoms of AMI remain unclear. We examined differences between men and women in terms of the clinical features of ST-segment elevation AMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 457 patients (106 women and 351 men) with ST-segment elevation AMI who were admitted within 24 h after symptom onset. The same cardiologist interviewed all patients within 48 h after admission. Women were older than men (72 vs 62 years, p<0.001) and had higher rates of hypertension (70 vs 56%, p=0.010), diabetes mellitus (36 vs 26%, p=0.047), and hyperlipidemia (51 vs 38%, p=0.019). Women were more likely than men to have non-specific symptoms (45 vs 34%, p=0.033), non-chest pain (pain in the jaw, throat, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and back), mild pain (20 vs 7%, p<0.001), and nausea (49 vs 36%, p=0.013). On coronary angiography, the severity of coronary-artery lesions was similar in both sexes. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in women than in men (6.6 vs 1.4%, p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical profiles and presentations differ between women and men with AMI. Women have less typical symptoms of AMI than men.

Gender differences in symptom experiences of patients with acute coronary syndromes

To compare the symptom experiences between men and women with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), we surveyed a convenience sample of 112 subjects with a final diagnosis of ACS in four hospitals. Our study found that after adjusting for cardiac diagnosis, diabetes, and age, women were more likely than men to experience chest discomfort rather than chest pain; pain/discomfort only in areas of the body other than the chest; pain/discomfort that started first either in the arm(s) or in areas of the body other than the chest; and unexplained anxiety. Women were less likely than men to experience chest pain/discomfort, pain/discomfort in the left side of the chest, and chest pain/discomfort as the most worrisome symptom. Significant gender differences were observed in the reports of several symptoms associated with ACS. This study is the first to identify different pain/discomfort referral patterns between men and women that require further validation.

Gender differences in symptoms associated with acute myocardial infarction: a review of the research

Recognizing similarities and differences in symptom experiences of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between men and women has implications for both health care providers and the general public. Rapid accurate diagnosis is necessary to implement timely lifesaving treatment. The purpose of this article is to critically review and evaluate studies that have compared symptoms of AMI between men and women. Research to date has demonstrated that during AMI, women are more likely than men to report shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back pain, jaw pain, neck pain, cough, and fatigue, but less likely than men to report chest pain and sweating. However, the findings were inconsistent across studies. These inconsistent findings could be attributable to methodological issues such as collecting data from medical records, small sample sizes, and controversial eligibility criteria for studies. More studies are needed to confirm gender differences in symptom experiences of AMI.

Emergency Medical Service Aspects of Emergency Cardiac Care

Prehospital intervention has the potential for significantly affecting the outcome of cardiovascular emergencies. The authors examine multiple issues in prehospital care that can streamline and improve cardiac care. Improving access to prehospital care and increasing the use of the emergency medical services (EMS) system can speed interventions to the patients. The use of ECG in the out-of-hospital setting can reduce time to definitive treatment. Issues, such as the use of public access defibrillation and interfacility transports are also discussed.

Trends in prehospital delay time and use of emergency medical services for acute myocardial infarction: experience in 4 US communities from 1987-2000

BACKGROUND

Prolonged delay in seeking care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with decreased use of time-dependent treatments and increased mortality and morbidity.

METHODS

Time from symptom onset to arrival at hospital and emergency medical service use were abstracted from medical records of 18,928 patients hospitalized for AMI and captured in the community surveillance component of the ARIC study from 1987 to 2000. A cut point of 4 hours was used to assess clinically relevant delay time recommendations for treatment with current therapies.

RESULTS

In 2000, the overall proportion of persons with delays from symptom onset to hospital arrival of > or = 4 hours was 49.5%. Blacks and women consistently delayed longer than whites and men. Between 1987 and 2000, there was no statistically significant change in the proportion of patients delaying > or = 4 hours (relative change +0.6% in men, -7.4% in women, -2.3% in whites, -8.9% in blacks, -7.9% in persons with diabetes, and -0.8% in persons without diabetes); however, there is a noticeable narrowing of gaps between sex, race, and diabetes status over the study period. The percentage of those who used emergency medical services increased significantly over the study period (1987 37.1%, 2000 44.5%, P < or = .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients continue to experience prolonged delays from onset of symptoms to hospital arrival. Delay time for hospitalized AMI changed little in the ARIC communities from 1987 to 2000. New public health strategies should be developed to facilitate rapid access to acute care for AMI.

Factors that impact upon the time to hospital presentation following the onset of chest pain

INTRODUCTION

Although morbidity and mortality associated with chest pain are related to time to intervention, many patients have delayed ED presentations. We aimed to assess the extent of and reasons for prehospital delay, and identify patient subgroups more at risk of delayed presentation.

METHODS

This was an analytical, cross-sectional survey of patients with undifferentiated, potentially ischaemic chest pain, at a tertiary referral ED. Data were collected on the circumstances surrounding the chest pain incident (including components of total prehospital time) and the proportion of delayed presentations (defined as >3 h). Multiple linear regression determined variables significantly associated with prehospital time.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled. Mean age was 51.9+/-15.9 years and 90 (60.0%, 95% CI 51.7-67.8) were male. The mean total prehospital time was 6.38 h (median 3.17). Seventy-nine (52.7%, 95% CI 44.4-60.8) patients had a delayed presentation (>3 h) and those most at risk of this were those at home at pain onset and those with a history of AMI. The decision time (from onset of pain to decision to present) comprised the majority (82.8%) of total prehospital time. Factors positively associated with decision time were: waiting to see if symptoms resolved (P<0.0001), seeking GP advice (P<0.0001), fluctuating symptoms (P=0.02), embarrassment (P=0.01) and attributing symptoms to muscle problems (P=0.04). Nine patients diagnosed with AMI had a mean total prehospital time of 10.2 h.

CONCLUSION

Intensified efforts are required to promote awareness of the need to present directly to the ED upon the onset of chest pain. The factors associated with decision delay may help to inform revisions in public education initiatives.

[Retrospective survey of the management of patients treated for acute myocardial infarction in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess the characteristics, outcomes and factors associated with delay of reperfusion therapy in patients with myocardial infarction in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur (PACA).

METHODS

This retrospective study included all patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction in the PACA between January and June 2000. Myocardial infarction patients were identified using the Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 2049 patients were admitted in 74 hospitals. Mean patient age was 68.9. Treatment consisted of coronary angioplasty alone in 53.3% of cases, thrombolysis alone in 4.5% and angioplasty after thrombolysis in 7.7%. The complication rate was 27.4% and mortality was 9.5%. The median time from first awareness of symptoms to the first action taken by the patient (1) was 1 hour 30 minutes. The time from the first action taken by the patient to revascularisation (2) was 3 hours 30 minutes. The time between the first awareness and revascularisation (3) was 8 hours 45 minutes. Multivariate analysis showed that the following factors were associated with increased delay: (1). no prior myocardial infarction, occurrence of symptoms at home. (2). age > 65 years, absence of chest pain, consultation with a physician before hospitalization, non-medical transport, transfer from one hospital to another, treatment by angioplasty alone. (3). age > 65 years, absence of chest pain, consultation with a physician before hospitalization, non-medical transport, treatment by angioplasty alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Alerting emergency services more quickly would shorten treatment delay not only by ensuring quicker transport to a properly equipped hospital but also by allowing prompt pre-hospital thrombolytic therapy.

Do older adults use the Internet for information on heart attacks? Results from a survey of seniors in King County, Washington

BACKGROUND

Early treatment can reduce mortality from heart attacks. However, patient delay, especially among the elderly, has slowed progress in this area. One of the reasons for delay may be because of a lack of knowledge about symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and treatment benefits. The Internet is a new and promising source of heart health information, but we know little about how elderly people use this medium.

METHODS

This study investigates the demographic and psychosocial variables that are related to Internet access, health information seeking, and information seeking about heart attacks from the Internet among seniors. We interviewed seniors (N = 323) aged more than 65 years and asked them questions about Internet access, health information seeking, and information seeking on heart attacks, as well as demographic information, risk perceptions for AMI, and personal experience with AMI.

RESULTS

The results showed that several demographic variables were related to access to the Internet. Only 7% of the seniors who reported access to the Internet had sought information on heart attacks from the Internet. Age, history of AMI, and family history of AMI were significant predictors of information seeking on heart attacks. This suggests that to date only a very small, high-risk group of seniors actually seeks information on heart attack emergencies from the Internet.

Delay in seeking care for symptoms of acute myocardial infarction: Applying a theoretical model

Thirty percent of people who experience symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) do not seek care until more than 2-6 hours after onset of symptoms, increasing their risk for morbidity and mortality. Using a model based on two frameworks, the common sense model of illness representation (CSM) and goal expectancy, variables associated with delay were examined to identify the most salient predictors of delay in seeking care for AMI. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the set of illness representation components from the CSM was a significant predictor of time to seek care, but individually, only recognition of symptoms as being caused by the heart was significant. Providing accurate information on symptoms of AMI may lead to early recognition, reduced delay, and reduced morbidity and mortality.

'Add women & stir'--the biomedical approach to cardiac research!

In conditions shared by women and men, the biomedical model of disease assumes that illness-symptoms and outcomes are biologically and socially 'neutral'. Consequently, up until a decade ago, white middle-aged men were the model subjects in most funded cardiac trials, with the assumption that whatever the findings, the results would also hold true for women. This 'add women and stir' approach has resulted in imbalances in cardiac care and an image of coronary artery disease, which portrays a middle-aged male as its victim. Moreover, cardiac health care has been designed with the male anatomy and male experience of illness in mind, and health promotional measures have been targeted towards men. Women have received these health promotional messages to protect the hearts of men, and have been less likely to modify their own lifestyles in a cardio-protective manner. However, the biological and social differences that exist between women and men, must surely invalidate such biased biomedical assertions, and signify a need to delve beyond the realm of biomedical reductionism for greater insights and understanding. This review examines how scientific reductionism has failed to explore the impact of coronary artery disease on the lives of women and how the gendered image of this disease has privileged the normative frame.

Factors related to delay times in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

The study's objective was to describe symptoms, symptom management, and patient delay times in patients seeking treatment for suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to find explanatory factors influencing the decision time.

METHOD

This is a descriptive survey study including 403 Swedish patients with a median age of 64 years with suspected AMI.

RESULTS

Altogether, 84% of the patients suspected that the symptoms emanated from the heart. Despite this fact, 59% delayed going to the hospital more than 1 hour after the onset of symptoms. In the multiple regression analysis, a "dull pain," the patients' belief that it was nothing serious, and contact with the general practitioner were associated with prolonged delay. The decision to contact the emergency service shortened the delay time.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient's subjective feeling of the severity of symptoms is an important predictor for delay times. There is still a need for public awareness of the appropriate responses to AMI symptoms, that is, to call for an ambulance instead of contacting the general practitioner.

Prehospital delay in acute coronary syndrome—an analysis of the components of delay

BACKGROUND

Prompt hospital admission is essential when treating acute coronary syndrome. Delay prior to admission is unnecessarily long. Therefore, a thorough scrutiny of the influence of characteristics, circumstantial and subjective variables on elements of prehospital delay among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome is warranted.

METHODS

A structured interview was conducted on 250 consecutive patients admitted alive with acute coronary syndrome.

RESULTS

Median prehospital, decision, physician and transportation delays were 107, 74, 25 and 22 min, respectively. Women (n=77) had more frequently atypical symptoms and increased prehospital delay caused by prolonged physician and transportation delay. Physician delay among women and men were 69 and 16 min, respectively. Patients with prior myocardial infarction had reduced prehospital delay, which was caused by shorter decision and physician delay; whereas patients with prior mechanical revascularisation or typical symptoms had prolonged prehospital delay due to long decision delay. When symptoms were interpreted as cardiac the decision and prehospital delay were reduced.

CONCLUSION

The medical profession underestimates the risk of acute coronary syndrome among women, and thereby contributes to unnecessary long delay to treatment. The patient's prior experience and interpretation has a significant influence on behaviour.