FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYS IN SEEKING MEDICAL CARE IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract

Purpose . To assess factors associated with pre-hospital delay in seeking medical care in patients with myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods : 51 patients with myocardial infarction, included in the original single-center research trial, were surveyed to assess the differences in the time intervals from the onset of symptoms to the decision to seek medical care, as well as the factors, associated with delay in calling emergency medical service. Results . We found that the majority of patients (> 70%) with myocardial infarction, admitted to the Kemerovo Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary, applied for medical care within 6 hours from the onset of symptoms. However, there was a group of patients with increased pre-hospital delay time. Patient delay may affect the effectiveness of treatment for acute coronary syndrome. These patients were commonly of younger age and males, with higher education working in the urban areas. Information campaigns targeted at this group of patients should be launched to raise their awareness and highlight the crucial role of prompt and timely calling EMS after the onset of myocardial infarction. Conclusion . It seems to be a rationale to launch informational campaigns targeting this group of patients (young working men living in large industrial cities) to highlight the importance of early and prompt seeking of medical care after the onset of MI symptoms.