Factors Affecting Arrival Time at ED for Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Pre-Hospital Factors Influencing Time of Arrival at Emergency Departments for Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

See Choo Lim, Andey Rahman, Najib Majdi Yaacob


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Pre-Hospital Factors Influencing Time of Arrival at Emergency Departments for Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Year: 2019 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.1.8

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Acute myocardial infarction is a significant global health issue, contributing greatly to mortality rates. In Malaysia, there has been a noticeable increase in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases, particularly ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Although many patients are eligible for life-saving treatments such as thrombolytic therapy and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), only a small fraction actually receive timely care, primarily due to delays in reaching medical facilities. This study seeks to identify pre-hospital factors that influence the duration from symptom onset to medical contact (symptom-to-door time) for STEMI patients in Malaysia, emphasizing the need for targeted public education and intervention to reduce these critical delays.

Pre-hospital Factors Influencing Delay

One of the most significant findings of this study indicates that certain demographic and clinical factors can notably impact pre-hospital delay times among STEMI patients. Females, patients who experience recurrence of chest pain, those presenting with atypical chest pain, and individuals who first contact general practitioners (GPs) exhibited significantly longer symptom-to-door times. Conversely, factors such as having hyperlipidaemia, self-perceived cardiac symptoms, and the onset of symptoms in public spaces were associated with shorter delays. It highlights the complexity of patient decision-making and awareness around health symptoms and the critical role that healthcare professionals play in diagnosing conditions promptly.

Conclusion

This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the various factors that contribute to pre-hospital delays in STEMI patients. Despite the relatively shorter symptom-to-door time observed in Malaysia compared to other developing countries, there remain identifiable barriers that need urgent attention. Enhancing public awareness on recognizing symptoms of heart attacks, particularly in female populations and emphasizing the significance of seeking immediate treatment, can lead to improved health outcomes. Furthermore, strategies must be implemented to encourage the proper utilization of emergency medical services, which can facilitate timely access to appropriate care for patients experiencing myocardial infarction.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of the study on STEMI patients?

The study aims to determine pre-hospital factors affecting symptom-to-door time among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in Malaysia, which is crucial for improving early treatment and patient outcomes.

What were the key findings regarding pre-hospital delays?

The study found that pre-hospital delays were more significant among female patients and those with atypical symptoms. Patients who first contacted general practitioners also tended to arrive later at the hospital.

How was data collected in this study?

Data was collected through structured interviews with 222 STEMI patients across two hospitals. Information included socio-demographic factors, clinical presentation, risk factors, and the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival.

What recommendations does the study suggest for improving care?

The study recommends further education on symptom recognition, particularly for high-risk groups, and emphasizes the need to improve public awareness about using emergency services promptly for potential cardiac symptoms.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Factors Affecting Arrival Time at ED for Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' refers to the systematic investigation into pre-hospital delay factors affecting symptom-to-door time among STEMI patients in Malaysia. It indicates a research project aimed at generating data to understand and potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients experiencing acute myocardial infarctions, a critical healthcare issue globally.

2) Pain:
In this context, 'pain' is crucial as it relates to the physical discomfort patients experience during a myocardial infarction. Understanding the severity and type of pain can influence patients' decisions to seek medical help and can play a significant role in their reported symptom onset.

3) Table:
The term 'table' refers to the structured presentations of data within the study, showcasing comparisons of variables such as demographic characteristics, pre-hospital delays, and clinical presentations of patients. Tables enhance the readability and comparison of complex data, facilitating better understanding of the study findings.

4) Male:
'Male' indicates a demographic subset of the study population, which included a higher percentage of male patients experiencing STEMI. Understanding gender differences is essential in evaluating how pre-hospital delay factors may vary by sex, affecting treatment-seeking behavior and outcomes.

5) Disease:
'Disease' denotes the medical conditions explored within the study, specifically focusing on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Recognizing the characteristics and implications of such diseases underlines the study's importance in identifying effective interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular health issues.

6) Family:
'Family' pertains to the influence of familial health history on the patients, particularly regarding coronary artery disease. Understanding familial patterns can help identify at-risk individuals for STEMI and highlight the need for targeted education and intervention strategies among family members.

7) Education:
'Education' relates to public and patient knowledge concerning myocardial infarction symptoms and treatment. Improved education can lead to more prompt medical responses, reducing pre-hospital delays significantly and enhancing overall patient outcomes during acute medical emergencies.

8) Kumar:
Kumar references an author associated with relevant literature within the study, indicating its academic grounding. Including recognized researchers provides validation and establishes the credibility of the findings presented in the study, contributing to the broader body of cardiovascular research.

9) Perception:
'Perception' denotes how patients interpret their symptoms, which significantly impacts their decision to seek timely care. A correct perception of symptom severity as serious can motivate immediate medical consultation, thereby reducing the risk of complications associated with delayed treatment.

10) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' suggests the understanding patients have regarding heart attack symptoms and risks. Enhancing knowledge about STEMI can empower patients to recognize warning signs and seek timely treatment, playing a vital role in improving health outcomes and reducing mortality rates from myocardial infarctions.

11) Reason:
'Reason' indicates the underlying motivations or justifications patients have for delaying care. Understanding these reasons can inform healthcare strategies aimed at addressing misconceptions or barriers to seeking timely treatment, which is critical in improving response rates to heart attack symptoms.

12) Rules:
'Rules' refer to established clinical guidelines or protocols guiding the management of STEMI patients. Adherence to these rules is essential for optimizing care and ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner to improve survival outcomes.

13) Cina:
'China' is mentioned as a comparative point in the discussion of pre-hospital delays and healthcare statistics. It contextualizes the global perspective by illustrating how these factors differ across various countries, emphasizing the need for country-specific interventions and strategies.

14) Kulantaivel:
'Kuzhanthaivel' is another author noted in the study, reflecting collaborative research efforts. Author recognition provides context to the study's validity and reliability, showcasing contributions that enhance understanding of pre-hospital delays in the realm of cardiovascular emergencies.

15) Calculation:
'Calculation' pertains to the systematic process of determining sample sizes and data analysis within the study. Accurate calculations are crucial for ensuring that the results are statistically significant and reliable, forming the basis of informed conclusions and recommendations.

16) Developing:
'Developing' describes countries or regions with emerging healthcare systems, often facing unique challenges in managing conditions like STEMI. Understanding these contexts can aid in tailoring effective interventions that address specific delays and barriers in healthcare access in these regions.

17) Science (Scientific):
'Science' signifies the empirical and systematic study of health and wellness, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based methodologies in healthcare. This term underscores the role that scientific inquiry plays in driving advancements and improvements in medical practice.

18) Madhavi:
'Madhavi' references an influential author contributing to related research literature. By tying findings to established authors, the study presents a more credible narrative and integrates its findings with existing knowledge in the field of cardiovascular health.

19) Greece:
'Greece' serves as a geographical point of reference to highlight international research comparisons. Such references are vital to understand how pre-hospital delays, patient characteristics, and treatment outcomes may differ globally, providing insights that can improve local practices.

20) Indian:
'Indian' refers to the context in which the study is situated and may align with other studies conducted within similar demographic settings. The examination of Indian data can inform findings relevant to pre-hospital delays and healthcare behaviors, fostering cultural sensitivity.

21) India:
'India' highlights a specific geographical context for understanding public health issues such as STEMI. By comparing data and findings from other countries, the study can identify varied patient experiences, health literacy, and access challenges in significantly populated regions.

22) Eagle:
'Eagle' identifies an esteemed researcher whose work informs components of the study. Recognizing contributions from established scholars lends authority to the research findings and situates the study within a broader context of impactful cardiovascular research.

23) Saya (Shaya):
'Saya' serves as an indicative author in the publication, illustrating the collaborative nature of research. The attribution of research findings to known figures in the academic community emphasizes the significance of expert contributions to knowledge in STEMI management.

24) Chun:
'Chun' represents another contributing author within the study, signifying collaborative efforts to investigate cardiovascular disease management. Recognizing diverse authors aids in situating the study within a collective framework of comprehensive research on heart conditions.

25) Peng:
'Peng' identifies a co-author whose research expertise may address similar health issues in different populations. Such recognition can enhance the contextual relevance and applicability of findings by linking them to broader research initiatives.

26) Fear:
'Fear' characterizes an emotional barrier that may prevent patients from seeking timely medical attention during a myocardial infarction. Understanding the psychological impacts of fear related to health decisions can guide interventions aimed at encouraging prompt care-seeking behavior.

27) Wolf:
'Wolf' identifies an author, contributing to the academic discussion surrounding pre-hospital delays. Recognizing authors within the research community lends credibility to findings and underscores the collaborative nature of medical research, promoting cross-pollination of ideas and strategies.

28) Discussion:
'Discussion' signifies a critical section of the study where findings are analyzed, interpreted, and contextualized among existing research. This segment is essential for drawing connections between empirical data and theoretical implications, pushing forward the conversation on healthcare improvements.

29) Srinagar:
'Srinagar' serves as a specific geographical point of reference in the discussion. It potentially highlights regional differences in healthcare experiences and outcomes, reminding researchers and practitioners of the diversified challenges faced in different localities.

30) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses the broader field within which the study is situated. This term signifies the critical importance of medical knowledge, practice, and research in understanding and managing diseases, particularly those requiring urgent interventions like STEMI.

31) Vomiting:
'Vomiting' refers to a symptom that may manifest during a myocardial infarction. It is regarded as a significant clinical presentation that influences patient interpretation of their condition, impacting decisions on whether to seek immediate medical assistance.

32) Crushing:
'Crushing' describes a type of chest pain that is a classic sign of myocardial infarction. This term is pivotal in understanding the urgency and severity of symptoms and is a crucial factor in patient descriptions during assessments.

33) Sweating (Sweat):
'Sweating' indicates a physical symptom often associated with myocardial infarction. Recognizing this symptom helps refine patient assessments and can influence the urgency of their decision to seek emergency medical care.

34) Raising:
'Raising' pertains to efforts aimed at increasing awareness among populations about cardiovascular diseases. It emphasizes the need for educational initiatives that can significantly impact public understanding and response to symptoms of heart attacks.

35) Nausea:
'Nausea' is a common symptom that may accompany myocardial infarction. Recognizing nausea as a critical sign can affect how both patients and providers interpret symptoms, thus impacting decisions related to seeking timely medical intervention.

36) Nature:
'Nature' describes the inherent characteristics of symptoms presented during a myocardial infarction. Understanding the nature of symptoms can guide healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses and recommending timely interventions for affected patients.

37) Roman (Roma):
'Roman' was not sufficiently involved within the content context; however, it could refer to broader historical or cultural perspectives on health and medicine, possibly informing certain healthcare practices or interpretations based on cultural contexts.

38) Sign:
'Sign' refers to indicators or manifestations of illness, such as chest pain or sweating during a heart attack. Properly interpreting these signs is vital for healthcare professionals and patients, as they determine the urgency for medical care.

39) Post:
'Post' relates to action or condition following a myocardial infarction, often discussing the implications for recovery and continued medical care. Understanding post-event dynamics is essential for informing rehabilitation strategies and improving long-term patient outcomes.

40) Pur:
'Poor' characterizes the aspect of limited healthcare access or lack of understanding among populations experiencing myocardial infarctions. This term underlines the urgent need for interventions addressing health disparities and enhancing awareness in underserved communities.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Factors Affecting Arrival Time at ED for Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Heart disease, Limitation, Conclusion, Blood flow, Proper treatment, Western countries, Family history, Urban area, Previous studies, Diabetes mellitus, General practitioner, Public place, Statistical analysis, Decision making, Psychological factor, Public education, Major factor, Developing countries, Rural area, Sample size, Purposive Sampling Method, Statistical Significance, Statistically Significant, Multivariate analysis, Hyperlipidaemia, Clinical presentation, Female patient, Cross-sectional study, Cardiovascular disease, Hypertension, Healthcare Facilities, Oral medication, Self medication, Mortality and morbidity, Coronary artery disease, Patient characteristics, Patient awareness, Myocardial infarction, Cardiac biomarkers, Emergency Services, Health outcome, Risk factor, Emergency medicine, ECG, Chest pain, Comorbidities, Acute myocardial infarction, Cardiac Symptoms, Emergency Department, Mean age of patients, Psycho-social factors, Acute coronary syndrome, Thrombolytic therapy, Female gender, Qualitative study, Logistic regression, Education Level, Smoking, Oral analgesic, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Reperfusion therapy, Symptom presentation, Tertiary Hospital, Mortality worldwide, Recall bias, Heart muscle, Cardiac care unit, Ambulance Services, Male patient, Family member, Primary PCI, STEMI patients, ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Typical symptoms, Clinical characteristic, Atypical symptoms, Modifiable factors, ST-Segment Elevation, Medical staff, Conflicting results, Ventricular function, Independent predictor.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Home, Another person.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: