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Response to: Non-specific chest pain and subsequent serious cardiovascular readmissions. Int J Cardiol 2020; 301:44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Koyuncu N, Karcioglu O. Emergency department patients' clinical and demographic characteristics regarding Hospital Anxiety subscale. Turk J Emerg Med 2018; 18:162-166. [PMID: 30533560 PMCID: PMC6261100 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjem.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical and demographic characteristics of the emergency department (ED) patients using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) which includes anxiety (HAD-A) subscale. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, all consecutive adult patients admitted to the community hospital-based ED in the study period were enrolled prospectively. HAD-A items were responded by the patients themselves. Demographic characteristics, history, and clinical findings were analyzed. RESULTS Four hundred and ninety-eight consecutive ED patients with eligible conditions were enrolled. Mean age was 44.1 ± 16.5 (range 18-90) and 53.0% (n = 264) were female. The presence of pathological examination finding was significantly associated with a tendency to have a HAD-A score higher than 10 (p = .044). Presence of systemic disease was significantly associated with higher anxiety scores (t-test, p = .029). Patients presented with acute exacerbation of a chronic illness and those with psychological condition had significantly higher HAD-A scores (p = .014 and p = .008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS High acuity, presence of pathological finding, higher income, presence of a systemic disease, acute exacerbation of a chronic illness were significantly associated with higher anxiety scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazmiye Koyuncu
- Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Haydarpaşa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Karcioglu
- Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Istanbul Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Screening for Acute Coronary Syndrome in chest pain patients can be initiated with a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommends getting an ECG performed and reviewed within 10 minutes of the time these patients present to the Emergency Department (ED). One innovative method to improve door-to-ECG time is by placing a trained greeter in the triage section of the ED. METHODS This study was conducted over a 3-week period from September to October 2006, in a large urban academic medical center. The greeter was stationed in the triage area, and screened every patient entering the ED for the following symptoms/complaints: chest pain, shortness of breath, acute mental status changes in nursing home patients, dizziness, and nausea with or without vomiting in diabetic patients. The greeter obtained the ECG in the qualified patients, or alerted the triage. Data was collected on ECGs for all ED patients who presented with the above complaints in the absence of a greeter. RESULTS In the 3 weeks of the study, data was collected on 126 cases. The greeter had obtained 40 ECGs, and 86 ECGs were done without the greeter. The average door-to-ECG times were significantly different between the groups. The study found 8.8 minutes in the greeter group versus 29.6 minutes in the nongreeter group (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION ED triage greeter can be effectively used to obtain timely ECGs in suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome patients.
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Ruigómez A, Rodríguez LAG, Wallander MA, Johansson S, Jones R. Chest pain in general practice: incidence, comorbidity and mortality. Fam Pract 2006; 23:167-74. [PMID: 16461444 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmi124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chest pain is a common symptom that presents the primary care physician with a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. AIMS To evaluate the natural history and management of patients diagnosed with chest pain of unspecified type or origin in primary care. DESIGN Population-based case-control study. METHODS The study included 13,740 patients with a first diagnosis of unspecified chest pain and 20,000 age- and sex-matched controls identified from the UK General Practice Research Database. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using unconditional logistic regression. Risk estimates were adjusted for age, sex and number of physician visits. RESULTS The incidence of a new diagnosis of chest pain was 15.5 per 1000 person-years and increased with age, particularly in men. The risk of a chest pain diagnosis was greatest in patients with prior diagnoses of coronary heart disease (OR: 7.1; 95% CI: 6.1-8.2) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7-2.3). In the year after diagnosis, chest pain patients were more likely than controls to be newly diagnosed with coronary heart disease (OR: 14.9; 95% CI: 12.7-17.4) and heart failure (OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.6-6.1). A new diagnosis of chest pain was associated with an increased risk of death in the following year (RR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.9-2.8). CONCLUSIONS Some causes of chest pain are underdiagnosed in primary care. This is of particular consequence for the minority of chest pain patients with cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ruigómez
- Centro Español de Investigación Farmacoepidemiológica (CEIFE), Madrid, Spain.
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Demiryoguran NS, Karcioglu O, Topacoglu H, Kiyan S, Ozbay D, Onur E, Korkmaz T, Demir OF. Anxiety disorder in patients with non-specific chest pain in the emergency setting. Emerg Med J 2006; 23:99-102. [PMID: 16439735 PMCID: PMC2564064 DOI: 10.1136/emj.2005.025163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many patients who have been discharged from the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of "non-specific chest pain" (NSCP) have anxiety disorder (AD), a commonly missed entity in acute care. The objective of this study was to delineate characteristic properties that could enhance recognition of AD in ED patients admitted with NSCP. METHODS All patients between 18 and 65 years of age diagnosed with NSCP were enrolled. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety subscale was used as a screening test for AD. The patients with high HADS scores (> or = 10) were evaluated by a psychiatrist for AD. RESULTS In total, 157 patients were enrolled in the study. HADS scores were found to be "high" (> or = 10) in 49 patients (31.2%). Patients with high HADS scores had a higher frequency of associated symptoms (p = 0.004). Dizziness or lightheadedness, chills or hot flushes, and fear of dying were found to have been reported more frequently by patients with high anxiety scores. Of the group with high score, 33 patients (67.3%) were interviewed by a psychiatrist, and 23 (69.7%) of these patients were diagnosed with AD. Associated symptoms were described by 21 patients with AD (91.3%). Of those with AD, 18 (78.3%) had been previously admitted to the ED with chest pain. Atypical chest pain was described by 21 patients (91.3%). CONCLUSIONS Physicians should always consider AD in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain after ruling out organic aetiology. Patients' definition of atypical pain, recurrent admissions to ED, and presence of associated symptoms such as dizziness, chills or hot flushes, and fear of dying could aid in considering AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Demiryoguran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
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Hungin APS, Raghunath AS, Wiklund I. Beyond heartburn: a systematic review of the extra-oesophageal spectrum of reflux-induced disease. Fam Pract 2005; 22:591-603. [PMID: 16024554 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmi061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic condition affecting up to one-quarter of the Western population. GORD is characterized by heartburn and acid regurgitation, but is reported to be associated with a spectrum of extra-oesophageal symptoms. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to critically evaluate postulated extra-oesophageal symptoms of GORD. METHODS Extra-oesophageal symptoms were identified from population-based studies evaluating their association with GORD (either defined as heartburn and/or acid regurgitation, or diagnosed in general practice). The response of these symptoms to acid-suppressive therapy was investigated using randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Pathogenic mechanisms were evaluated using clinical and preclinical studies. RESULTS An association between GORD and symptoms or a diagnosis of chest pain/angina, cough, sinusitis and gall-bladder disease was evident from three eligible population-based studies of GORD. Randomized placebo-controlled studies (n=20) showed that acid-suppressive therapy provides symptomatic relief of chest pain, asthma and, potentially, chronic cough and laryngitis. Mechanistic models, based on direct physical damage by refluxate or vagally mediated reflexes, support a causal role for GORD in chest pain and respiratory symptoms, but not in gall-bladder disease. CONCLUSION GORD is likely to play a causal role in chest pain and possibly asthma, chronic cough and laryngitis. Further investigation is desirable, particularly for other potential extra-oesophageal manifestations of GORD such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis. Acid-suppressive therapy is likely to benefit patients with non-cardiac chest pain, but further placebo-controlled studies are needed for other symptoms comprising the extra-oesophageal spectrum of GORD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pali S Hungin
- Cetre for Integrated Health Care Research, University of Durham--Stockton Campus, Wolfson Research Institute, Stockton-on-Tees TS176BH, UK.
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Kogan A, Shapira R, Silman-Stoler Z, Rennert G. Evaluation of chest pain in the ED: factors affecting triage decisions. Am J Emerg Med 2003; 21:68-70. [PMID: 12563585 DOI: 10.1053/ajem.2002.34202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergency physician's (EP) fast and correct diagnosis of patients with chest pain is crucial for preventing inappropriate discharge and dire consequences. To determine which factors affect admission decisions in the ED, we studied epidemiologic characteristics of both discharged and admitted patients, and the percentage of discharged patients who returned to the ED with acute myocardial infarction. The study included 185 patients seen in the ED because of chest pain between July 1 and 31, 1997 (every third day not included). Ninety patients were admitted: 36.7% were admitted for "observation of chest pain" and 63.3% met the criteria for active coronary heart disease. A form was used to collect personal data, medical history, risk factors, clinical examination, electrocardiogram interpretation, laboratory data, and admittance decision. EPs' diagnosis of cardiac chest pain demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.4%, a specificity of 73.4%, and a positive predictive value of 63.3%. Sensitivity for diagnosing acute myocardial infarct was 100%, with no erroneous discharges. The EP's ability to integrate the medical history information, including risk factors and pain characteristics, had a marked influence on the admittance decision. Efforts to reduce missed diagnoses are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asia Kogan
- Emergency Department, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the characteristics, subsequent resource use and outcome of a consecutive cohort of admissions with acute chest pain not due to myocardial infarction. METHODS Subjects (N=356) identified in the course of a epidemiological study of myocardial infarction were interviewed and completed HAD, SF-36 and other self-report information in hospital and at 3 months and 1 year. Hospital casenotes were reviewed at 1 year. RESULTS A total of 218 subjects were given cardiac diagnoses and 138 noncardiac diagnoses. Cardiac subjects were more distressed and disabled and used more resources. Those in the noncardiac group reported distress and disability and resource use comparable to infarct admissions. CONCLUSION Awareness of psychosocial variables would aid in the assessment and management of those with and without ischaemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Mayou
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, UK.
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Herlitz J, Karlson BW, Lindqvist J, Sjölin M. Characteristics and long-term outcome of patients with acute chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of acute myocardial infarction in relation to whether they were hospitalized or directly discharged from the emergency department. Coron Artery Dis 2002; 13:37-43. [PMID: 11917197 DOI: 10.1097/00019501-200202000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe the characteristics and outcome of patients who came to the emergency department due to chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to whether they were hospitalized or directly discharged from the emergency department. METHODS All patients arriving to the emergency department in one single hospital due to chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of AMI during a period of 21 months were followed for 10 years. RESULTS In all, 5362 patients fulfilled the given criteria on 7157 occasions; 3381 (63%) were hospitalized and 1981 (37%) were directly discharged. Patients who were hospitalized were older and had a higher prevalence of previous cardiovascular diseases. The mortality during the subsequent 10 years was 52.1% among those hospitalized and 22.3% among those discharged (P < 0.0001). Risk indicators for death were similar in the two cohorts. However, many of these risk indicators including age, a history of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, hypertension, initial degree of suspicion of AMI, a pathologic electrocardiogram on admission and a confirmed AMI as underlying etiology were more strongly associated with the prognosis among patients directly discharged than among those hospitalized. Ten (0.5%) of the patients who were directly discharged from the emergency department were found to have a diagnosis of confirmed or possible AMI, making up 1% of all patients given such a diagnosis. These patients had a 10-year mortality of 80.0% compared with 65.7% among patients with a confirmed or possible AMI who were hospitalized. CONCLUSION Of patients who came to the emergency department with acute chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of AMI about a third were directly discharged. Their mortality during the subsequent 10 years was half that of patients hospitalized. Various risk indicators for death were more strongly associated with prognosis in the patients who were directly discharged from the emergency department compared to those hospitalized. Of all patients given a diagnosis of confirmed or possible AMI, 1% were discharged from the emergency department. Their long-term mortality was high, maybe even higher than among AMI patients hospitalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Herlitz
- Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
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Ghaemmaghami CA, Brady WJ. PITFALLS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2001; 19:351-69. [PMID: 11373983 DOI: 10.1016/s0733-8627(05)70188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The accurate assessment and triage of patients with potential ACS is a complex decision-making process based on information that is not entirely reliable. The knowledgeable EP recognizes that assessment of patients with chest pain requires an understanding of the various clinical presentations of ACS and high-risk patient types, as well as careful use of the available modalities to diagnose these syndromes efficiently while incurring minimal risk to the patients safety. The busy EP is faced with sick patients with chest pain daily, so that it behoove anyone in emergency medicine to familiarize themselves with these diagnostic pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Ghaemmaghami
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Glover CL, Benink E, Tudor G, Aldag J, Smith M. Outcome analysis of chest pain patients discharged from the ED--a pilot study. Am J Emerg Med 2000; 18:779-83. [PMID: 11103728 DOI: 10.1053/ajem.2000.18112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this pilot study was to determine clinical predictors of adverse outcome, defined as myocardial infarction, angioplasy or stent placement, coronary artery bypass graft, or death, within 60 days for patients discharged from the emergency department with a presenting complaint of chest pain. All patients presenting to the emergency department with a chief complaint of chest pain were eligible for the study. A chest pain risk analysis sheet was completed as part of the patient evaluation. Patients discharged from the emergency department, in whom a risk analysis sheet was completed, were contacted to determine their clinical course within 60 days of their discharge from the emergency department. During the 6-month study period, 129 eligible patients were enrolled. Of these 129 patients, four had an adverse outcome within 60 days of their discharge. All four patients had either a balloon angioplasty procedure, coronary artery bypass graft, or both. None of the study patients had a myocardial infarction or died. Statistically significant predictors of adverse outcome in our study population were an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), a history of myocardial infarction, and a history of hypertension. In conclusion, patients discharged from the emergency department with a presenting complaint of chest pain were at a low risk for having a myocardial infarction or dying within 60 days of their discharge. Several patients, however, did have significant coronary artery disease requiring angioplasty or bypass. These patients were more likely to have an abnormal ECG, a history of myocardial infarction, or have a history of hypertension. A prospective study with larger numbers of patients is needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Glover
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, USA.
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deFilippi CR, Tocchi M, Parmar RJ, Rosanio S, Abreo G, Potter MA, Runge MS, Uretsky BF. Cardiac troponin T in chest pain unit patients without ischemic electrocardiographic changes: angiographic correlates and long-term clinical outcomes. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000; 35:1827-34. [PMID: 10841231 DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(00)00628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We prospectively evaluated the relation between cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level, the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and long-term prognosis in patients with chest pain but no ischemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes who had short-term observation. BACKGROUND Cardiac TnT is a powerful predictor of future myocardial infarction (MI) and death in patients with ECG evidence of an acute coronary syndrome. However, for patients with chest pain with normal ECGs, it has not been determined whether cTnT elevation is predictive of CAD and a poor long-term prognosis. METHODS In 414 consecutive patients with no ischemic ECG changes who were triaged to a chest pain unit, cTnT and creatine kinase, MB fraction (CK-MB) were evaluated > or = 10 h after symptom onset. Patients with adverse cardiac events, including death, MI, unstable angina and heart failure were followed for as long as one year. RESULTS A positive (>0.1 ng/ml) cTnT test was detected in 37 patients (8.9%). Coronary artery disease was found in 90% of 30 cTnT-positive patients versus 23% of 144 cTnT-negative patients who underwent angiography (p < 0.001), with multivessel disease in 63% versus 13% (p < 0.001). The cTnT-positive patients had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher percent diameter stenosis and a greater frequency of calcified, complex and occlusive lesions. Follow-up was available in 405 patients (98%). By one year, 59 patients (14.6%) had adverse cardiac events. The cumulative adverse event rate was 32.4% in cTnT-positive patients versus 12.8% in cTnT-negative patients (p = 0.001). After adjustment for baseline clinical characteristics, positive cTnT was a stronger predictor of events (chi-square = 23.56, p = 0.0003) than positive CK-MB (>5 ng/ml) (chi-square = 21.08, p = 0.0008). In a model including both biochemical markers, CK-MB added no predictive information as compared with cTnT alone (chi-square = 23.57, p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS In a group of patients with chest pain anticipated to have a low prevalence of CAD and a good prognosis, cTnT identifies a subgroup with a high prevalence of extensive and complex CAD and increased risk for long-term adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R deFilippi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, USA.
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Gill D, Mayou R, Dawes M, Mant D. Presentation, management and course of angina and suspected angina in primary care. J Psychosom Res 1999; 46:349-58. [PMID: 10340234 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3999(98)00102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous surveys may have underestimated both prevalence and incidence of ischemic heart disease in general practice. Case identification is difficult, as many patients presenting with chest pain turn out not to have ischemic heart disease, although their outcome is unclear otherwise. In this work we aimed to: (1) estimate prevalence and incidence of angina in one Oxford general practice; (2) describe the processes of assessment, investigation, and management of suspected angina; and (3) describe the 2-year symptomatic and functional outcome of angina patients, compared with patients whose provisional diagnosis of suspected ischemic heart disease (IHD) was not subsequently sustained (NCCP). A retrospective survey of patients was undertaken (aged 45-74 years) by hand searching paper and electronic medical records to find, as of 1 January 1992, all patients in the practice with continuing treatment of angina diagnosed before 1989, or those having a new diagnosis of angina being assessed (suspected angina) in the 3 year 1989-1991. Two years later, a postal questionnaire survey compared the symptomatic and functional outcome of confirmed IHD and NCCP. On 1 January 1992, the diagnosis of angina was recorded in the notes of 11.1% of patients aged 45-74 years, and the diagnosis was considered correct in 7.4%. Over a 3-year period, 129 people was suspected of suffering from angina, but in 71 (55%) the diagnosis was not confirmed; 76 (59%) were either referred to a specialist out-patient clinic or had an emergency admission. A 2-year follow-up found that similar proportions of patients with angina and noncardiac chest pain had a poor outcome in terms of symptoms, mental state, quality of everyday life, and continuing consultation. The clinical burden of ischemic heart disease in general practice has been underestimated by earlier methodological approaches using less complete ascertainment strategies. The adequacy of current diagnostic and management arrangements for patients with suspected angina merits review, at both the primary and secondary care levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gill
- University of Oxford Institute of Health Sciences, UK
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Zalenski RJ, Shamsa F, Pede KJ. Evaluation and risk stratification of patients with chest pain in the emergency department. Predictors of life-threatening events. Emerg Med Clin North Am 1998; 16:495-517, vii. [PMID: 9739772 DOI: 10.1016/s0733-8627(05)70015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
While assessing chest pain in the emergency department, physicians must first estimate the probability of acute ischemic states in the patient. This first estimate is based on the patient's history, physical examination, and electrocardiogram. Patients who meet the threshold for acute cardiac ischemia are further evaluated to confirm or exclude this diagnosis, while other life-threatening factors are excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Zalenski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Miralda GP, Brotons C, Moral I, Ribera A, Calvo F, Campreciós M, Santos MT, Cascant P, Soler Soler J, Klamburg J. Pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo: abordaje terapéutico (patrones de manejo) y pronóstico al año en un hospital general terciario. Rev Esp Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0300-8932(98)74847-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bengtson A, Karlsson T, Währborg P, Hjalmarson A, Herlitz J. Cardiovascular and psychosomatic symptoms among relatives of patients waiting for possible coronary revascularization. Heart Lung 1996; 25:438-43. [PMID: 8950122 DOI: 10.1016/s0147-9563(96)80044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the consequences for close family members of patients on a waiting list for possible coronary revascularization. BACKGROUND An increasing number of patients with symptomatic ischemic heart disease require evaluation for possible revascularization. Many of these patients must wait a long time before receiving treatment. The negative consequences of this long wait for patients and their relatives have not been satisfactorily evaluated previously. DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING All hospital in Southwestern Sweden. STUDY POPULATION One hundred relatives of patients referred for possible revascularization and a sex- and age-matched reference group. The convenience sample consisted of 85% (n = 76) women and 15% (n = 13) men. OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency of cardiovascular and psychosomatic symptoms. EVALUATION One hundred relatives and 100 members of the control group were sent a questionnaire to evaluate their clinical condition; working situation; use of tobacco, alcohol and sedatives; and cardiovascular and psychosomatic symptoms. RESULTS Family members had a significantly higher frequency of anxiety, depression, and irritability compared with the control group. Furthermore, family members reported sleeping disorders, including difficulty waking, tiredness due to lack of sleep, and restless sleep, more frequently than did the control group. CONCLUSION Close family members of patients waiting for coronary revascularization have particular difficulties, and these difficulties should receive more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bengtson
- Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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Herlitz J, Bång A, Hartford M, Karlson BW. Influence of gender on survival, mode of death, reinfarction, use of medication, and aspects of well being during a period of five years after onset of acute myocardial infarction. Clin Cardiol 1996; 19:555-61. [PMID: 8818436 DOI: 10.1002/clc.4960190707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS This study was undertaken to describe prognosis during a period of 5 years after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to gender. METHODS All patients studied were hospitalized in a single hospital during a period of 21 months due to AMI, regardless of age and whether they were admitted to the coronary care unit or another ward. A total of 862 AMI patients [581 (67%) men and 281 (33%) women] were prospectively evaluated. Males were younger and less frequently had a history of congestive heart failure and hypertension. RESULTS The overall 5-year mortality rate was 48% among men compared with 61% among women (p < 0.001). However, in a multivariate analysis considering age, gender, and a previous history of cardiovascular diseases, female gender was not independently associated with death. Revascularization in terms of coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty did not differ significantly between men and women. The rate of reinfarction was 34% among men and 38% among women (p > 0.2). CONCLUSION During 5 years of follow-up in a consecutive series of 862 AMI patients, women had a worse prognosis than men, with a mortality of 61% compared with 48% (p < 0.001). However, after controlling for a number of potentially confounding prognostic factors, female gender was not independently associated with mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Herlitz
- Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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Herlitz J, Karlson BW, Wiklund I, Bengtson A. Prognosis and gender differences in chest pain patients discharged from an ED. Am J Emerg Med 1995; 13:127-32. [PMID: 7893292 DOI: 10.1016/0735-6757(95)90077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of patients evaluated for chest pain in the emergency department (ED) will be sent home because the probability of acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or other severe disease processes is determined to be sufficiently low. Patients who came to the ED at Sahlgrenska Hospital, Göteborg during a 21-month period because of chest pain were registered and followed up for one year. Survivors after one year were asked to complete a mailed questionnaire regarding different kinds of symptoms. Of 5,362 patients evaluated in the ED, 2,175 were sent home on their first visit. Fifty-four percent were men and 46% were women. The one-year mortality rate was 3% in men and 3% in women. Recurrent chest pain, dyspnea, and psychological symptoms were more frequently reported by patients with known cardiac disease than by patients without cardiac disease. Female patients with and without cardiac disease reported significantly more frequent recurrent chest pain, dyspnea, and psychological and psychosomatic complaints than male patients with and without cardiac disease. These data suggest that there are specific gender differences between men and women who are discharged from the ED after being evaluated for chest pain. In particular, psychological gender differences may exist and need to be addressed when evaluating patients with chest pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Herlitz
- Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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