Acute Myocardial Infarction Care Research Articles

Erratum to high concentrations of H7 human embryonic stem cells at the point of care for acute myocardial infarction

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-7230.].

2020 Update of the quality indicators for acute myocardial infarction: a position paper of the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care: the study group for quality indicators from the ACVC and the NSTE-ACS guideline group.

Quality indicators (QIs) are tools to improve the delivery of evidence-base medicine. In 2017, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) developed a set of QIs for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which have been evaluated at national and international levels and across different populations. However, an update of these QIs is needed in light of the accumulated experience and the changes in the supporting evidence. The ESC methodology for the QI development was used to update the 2017 ACVC QIs. We identified key domains of AMI care, conducted a literature review, developed a list of candidate QIs, and used a modified Delphi method to select the final set of indicators. The same seven domains of AMI care identified by the 2017 Study Group were retained for this update. For each domain, main and secondary QIs were developed reflecting the essential and complementary aspects of care, respectively. Overall, 26 QIs are proposed in this document, compared to 20 in the 2017 set. New QIs are proposed in this document (e.g. the centre use of high-sensitivity troponin), some were retained or modified (e.g. the in-hospital risk assessment), and others were retired in accordance with the changes in evidence [e.g. the proportion of patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) treated with fondaparinux] and the feasibility assessments (e.g. the proportion of patients with NSTEMI whom risk assessment is performed using the GRACE and CRUSADE risk scores). Updated QIs for the management of AMI were developed according to contemporary knowledge and accumulated experience. These QIs may be applied to evaluate and improve the quality of AMI care.

Frequency of five cardiovascular/hemostatic entities as primary manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Results of the UMC-19-S2

• Several cardiovascular/hemostatic disturbances haves been reported in patients with COVID-19, but the real frequency and their potential association with the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-19 still remain to be defined. • We investigated the relative frequency of acute coronary syndrome, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke and upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID patents attending emergency departments (EDs), before hospitalization and compared them with frequencies in the general ED population attending 50 Spanish EDs. • We found that the risk of pulmonary embolism is clearly increased in COVID patients, with an OR of 4.53 with respect to non-COVID patients (95% confidence interval 4.03- 5.10). Additionally, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was 2 fold more frequent among ED comers in 2020 compared to 2019, suggesting a SARS-CoV-2 role in such increment of cases.. The remaining entities studied were not found to be unequivocally increased in the present study and need further investigation.

Does gender affect the outcomes of patients in program of managed care for acute myocardial infarction.

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that cardiac rehabilitation and regular follow-ups are associated with reduced mortality and morbidity. A programme of Managed Care for Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction was developed in Poland (MC-AMI; in Polish, KOS-zawał), based on current scientific evidence. However, there is a lack of data on possible improvement in long-term prognosis among women after acute myocardial infarction.AimsTo compare the male and female population who participated in MC-AMI, regarding major cardiovascular events, defined as a composite of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure, in a 1-year follow-up.MethodsA prospective research study from a single cardiology care centre. The study compared 2 groups: women and men who agreed to participate in the MC-AMI programme.ResultsA total of 529 patients were included in the study (167 women and 362 men). In the 12-month follow-up, the difference in major cardiovascular events events was not statistically significant for women and men, respectively (11.38% women vs 11.33% men; p = 0.98). Cox multivariate regression analysis of the surveyed population showed that coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and previous percutaneous coronary intervention were significantly correlated with the primary endpoint.ConclusionWomen participating in the MC-AMI programme did not have a worse prognosis regarding major cardiovascular events, compared with men in a 12-month follow-up. Given the benefits of the MCAMI programme, the proportion of women participating in the programme should be increased.LAY ABSTRACTDespite the development of new treatment techniques, myocardial infarction remains one of the leading causes of death in Europe. Women account for 48% of patients with myocardial infarction. Due to clinical, economic, demographic and sociological conditions, the long-term prognosis for women after myocardial infarction is worse than for men. A national programme of managed care after myocardial infarction has been introduced in 2019 year in Poland (MC-AMI; in Polish, KOS-zawał). The programme comprises 4 stages: hospitalization and treatment of the acute phase of myocardial infarction; early cardiological rehabilitation; regular follow-up at in-patient clinic; and evaluation of indications for advanced methods of treatment of post-infarction complications. Implementation of this programme in Poland has resulted in a comparable long-term prognosis being achieved for the male and female population. Widespread use of the MC-AMI programme is a promising option to equalize the prognosis for both sexes after a heart attack.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients aged ≥65 years in Western Romania

Older age is known as a negative prognostic parameter in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we aimed to investigate age-related differences in treatment protocols, in-hospital and 1-year mortality. This retrospective observational single-center study enrolled consecutive AMI patients with an urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as the main method of myocardial revascularization. The patients divided were divided by age into group I (≥65 years) and group II (<65 years). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, the secondary endpoints were 1-year mortality and rehospitalization rates. Of the 522 admitted with AMI, 476 were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 67 ± 13 years; 62% were men. Group I patients had a significantly lower rate of performed PCI (65% vs. 79%, P < 0.001). 53 patients (12.3%) died during hospitalization, and this proportion was notably higher in the older population (20% vs. 6%, P < 0.0001). The cardiac causes of death were more frequent in group I patients (12% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.016). The multivariate logistic regression selected two variables as independent predictors for the risk of in-hospital death: age ≥65 years (P = 0.0170), and Killip class at admission (P < 0.0001). The 1-year mortality was 3.3%, slightly higher in group I patients (4.8% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.05). In conclusion, patients aged ≥65 years have three times higher in-hospital mortality, but similar 1-year mortality and readmission rates when compared with the younger patients. It is obvious that there is a large potential for improvement of the AMI care in this age group of patients.

Does better availability mean better accessibility? Spatial inequalities in the care of acute myocardial infarction in Hungary

The availability of health care services is an important issue, however, improving availability of health care services does not necessarily mean better accessibility for everybody. The main aim of this study is to find out how better availability in the care of acute myocardial infarction vary with accessibility of patients’ geographical location within Hungary. We applied statistical analysis and interview techniques to unfold the role of spatiality in the conditions of access to health care. Results of statistical analysis indicate significant health inequalities in Hungary. Decreasing national mortality rates of acute myocardial infarction, has been coupled by increasing spatial inequalities within the country especially at micro-regional level. According to in-depth interviews with local health care stakeholders we defined factors that support access to health care as well as important barriers. The supporting factors are related to the improvement of availability (i.e. infrastructural developments), while geographical distance, lack of material and human resources, or low level of health literacy proved to be the most relevant barriers. Main conclusion is that barriers to accessibility and availability are not only spatial but are also based on individual stages of acute myocardial infarction care. The development of cardiac catheter centres in Hungary has improved the short-term chances of infarction survival, but long-term survival chances have worsened in recent years due to deficiencies in rehabilitation care as well as low level of health literacy.

Understanding and Informing Community Emergency Cardiovascular Disease Preparedness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stroke Ready

IntroductionAcute stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treatments are time sensitive. Early data revealed a decrease in presentation and an increase in pre-hospital delay for acute stroke and AMI during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Thus, we set out to understand community members’ perception of seeking acute stroke and AMI care during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform strategies to increase cardiovascular disease preparedness during the pandemic. MethodsGiven the urgency of the clinical and public health situation, through a community-based participatory research partnership, we utilized a rapid assessment approach. We developed an interview guide and data collection form guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Semi-structured interviews were recorded and conducted via phone and data was collected on structured collection forms and real time transcription. Direct content analysis was conducted guided by the TPB model and responses for AMI and stroke were compared. ResultsWe performed 15 semi-structured interviews. Eighty percent of participants were Black Americans; median age was 50; 73% were women. Participants reported concerns about coronavirus transmission in the ambulance and at the hospital, hospital capacity and ability to triage, and quality of care. Change in employment and childcare also impacted participants reported control over seeking emergent cardiovascular care. Based on these findings, our community and academic team co-created online materials to address the community-identified barriers, which has reached over 8,600 users and engaged almost 600 users. ConclusionsWe found that community members’ attitudes and perceived behavioral control to seek emergent cardiovascular care were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-informed, health behavior theory-based public health messaging that address these constructs may decrease prehospital delay.

Abstract 13776: The Impact of Race on In-hospital Quality of Care Among Young Adults With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: The extent to which race influences in-hospital quality of care among young adults with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unknown. We examined racial differences in in-hospital quality of AMI care in young adults and described the patient and/or clinical characteristics associated with potential disparities in care. Methods: Data from the GENESIS-PRAXY (Canada) and the VIRGO (U.S.) prospective cohorts of young adults with AMI were analyzed. Among a total of 4,048 adults with AMI (≤55 years) (median=49 years [IQR 44-52], 22% non-white, 58% women), we calculated an in-hospital quality of care score (QCS) for AMI (quality indicators divided by total, with higher scores indicating better care) based on AHA quality of care standards, reporting data disaggregated by race. We categorized race as white versus non-white, which included Black, Asian and North American Indigenous populations. Results: This cohort was comprised of 906 non-white individuals and 3142 white individuals. Non-white adults exhibited a clustering of adverse cardiac risk factors, psychosocial risk factors and comorbidities versus whites; they had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, alcohol abuse and prior AMI and lower rates of physical activity. They were more likely to have a low SES and receive low social support, and were less likely to be employed, a primary earner, or married/living with a partner. Non-white individuals were also more likely to experience a NSTEMI and less likely to receive cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation counseling as well as dual antiplatelet therapy at discharge. Furthermore, non-white individuals had a lower crude QCS than whites (QCS=69.99 vs 73.29, P-value&lt;0.0001). In the multivariable model adjusted for clinical and psychosocial factors, non-white race (LS Mean Difference=-1.49 95%CI -2.87, -0.11, P-value=0.0344) was independently associated with a lower in-hospital QCS. Conclusion: Non-white individuals with AMI exhibited higher rates of adverse psychosocial and clinical characteristics than white individuals yet non-white race was independently associated with lower in-hospital quality of care. Interventions are needed to improve quality of AMI care in non-white young adults.

High concentrations of H7 human embryonic stem cells at the point of care for acute myocardial infarction.

BackgroundEmbryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived cardiomyocytes have become one of the most attractive sources of cellular therapy for minimizing heart tissue damage following myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we investigated the differentiation of BMS-189453-induced H7 human ESCs (hESCs) and purified ESCs in the treatment of induced acute MI.MethodsBMS-189453 was used to induce the differentiation of H7 hESCs into myocardial ESCs. We further purified ESCs cells. The expression levels of the myocardial-specific protein cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and the ventricular-specific protein Myosin Light Chain 2 (MLC-2V) were detected by western blot. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of iroquois homeobox 4 (IRX4), an important transcription factor related to ventricular muscle development. Ultrasound, radionuclides, and Holter monitoring were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ESCs on acute MI induced in pigs.ResultsCompared with untreated myocardial tissue, myocardial ESCs and purified ESCs improved the outcome in pigs with MI. Treatment with non-purified ESCs and purified ESCs improved the myocardial perfusion grade and ventricular wall motion score index, increased the viable myocardial ratio (VMR), improved the ejection fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and reduced the MI area. Further, compared with non-purified ESCs, purified ESCs resulted in fewer side effects and reduced the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias.ConclusionsIn the pig model of acute MI, treatment with ESCs significantly improved myocardial function, increased myocardial mass, and reduced scar tissue formation. Purified ESCs have a better treatment effect than non-purified ESCs and can reduce the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. This study has unearthed new prospects for the clinical treatment of MI.

The impact of sex, gender and healthcare system on quality of care among young adults with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background The quality of care among young adults with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be related to biological sex, psycho-socio-cultural (gender) determinants or healthcare system-level factors. Purpose To examine whether sex, gender, and the type of healthcare system influence the quality of AMI care among young adults. Methods A total of 4,564 AMI young adults (&amp;lt;55 years) (59% women, 47 years, 66% US) were analyzed from the VIRGO and GENESIS-PRAXY studies consisting of single-payer (Canada, Spain) versus multipayer (US) systems. For each patient treated in each system we calculated a quality of care score (QCS) for pre-AMI (1-year pre admission), in-hospital, and post-AMI (1-year post discharge) phases of care (number of quality indicators received divided by the total number [range=0–100%], with higher scores indicating better quality). Ordinal logistic or linear regression models, and 2-way interactions between sex, gender and healthcare system were tested. Results Women in the multipayer system had the highest risk factor burden. Across the phases of care for AMI, 20% of quality indicators were missed in both sexes. High stress, earner status, and social support were associated with a higher QCS in the pre-AMI phase, whereas only employment and earner status were associated with QCS in all other phases. In the pre-AMI phase, women had higher QCS than men, mainly in the single-payer system (adjusted-OR=1.85, 95% CI 1.46,2.35 vs. 1.07, 95% CI 0.84,1.36, P-interaction= 0.002). Regardless of sex, only employment status had a greater effect in the multipayer system (adjusted-OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.44,0.78 vs 1.13, 95% CI 0.89,1.44, P-interaction &amp;lt;0.001). In the in-hospital phase, women had a lower QCS than men, especially in the multipayer system (adjusted-mean-difference: −2.48, 95% CI-3.87, −1.08). Employment was associated with a higher QCS (2.0, 95% CI 0.9–3.17, P-interaction &amp;gt;0.05). Finally, in the post-AMI phase, men and women had a lower QCS, predominantly in the multipayer system. However, primary earners had higher QCS regardless of system. Conclusion Sex, gender, and healthcare system affected the quality of care after AMI. Women had a poorer in-hospital than men and both women and men had suboptimal post-discharge care. Being unemployed lowered the quality of care, more so in the multipayer system. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Canadian Institutes of Health and Research (CIHR)

Lessons Learned From Acute Myocardial Infarction Care in China

Qi Zhong, MD; Yan Gao, MA; Xin Zheng, MD, PhD; Jiyan Chen, MD, PhD; Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH; Yuan Lu, ScD; Yingqing Feng, MD, PhD; Shuang Hu, PhD; Qiuli Zhang, PhD; Cheng Huang, MD, PhD; Yun Wang, PhD; Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM; Xi Li, MD, PhD; Yingling Zhou, MD, PhD

National Trends in Emergency Department Care Processes for Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States, 2005 to 2015.

BackgroundDespite investments to improve quality of emergency care for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), few studies have described national, real‐world trends in AMI care in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to describe trends in the epidemiology and quality of AMI care in US EDs over a recent 11‐year period, from 2005 to 2015.Methods and ResultsWe conducted an observational study of ED visits for AMI using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a nationally representative probability sample of US EDs. AMI visits were classified as ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non‐STEMI. Outcomes included annual incidence of AMI, median ED length of stay, ED disposition type, and ED administration of evidence‐based medications. Annual ED visits for AMI decreased from 1 493 145 in 2005 to 581 924 in 2015. Estimated yearly incidence of ED visits for STEMI decreased from 1 402 768 to 315 813. The proportion of STEMI sent for immediate, same‐hospital catheterization increased from 12% to 37%. Among patients with STEMI sent directly for catheterization, median ED length of stay decreased from 62 to 37 minutes. ED administration of antithrombotic and nonaspirin antiplatelet agents rose for STEMI (23%–31% and 10%–27%, respectively).ConclusionsNational, real‐world trends in the epidemiology of AMI in the ED parallel those of clinical registries, with decreases in AMI incidence and STEMI proportion. ED care processes for STEMI mirror evolving guidelines that favor high‐intensity antiplatelet therapy, early invasive strategies, and regionalization of care.

Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI) Reduces Total Mortality in 12-Month Follow-Up-Results from a Poland's National Health Fund Program of Comprehensive Post-MI Care-A Population-Wide Analysis.

Introduction: Advances in the acute treatment of myocardial infarction (AMI) substantially reduced in-hospital mortality, but the post-discharge prognosis is still unacceptable. The Managed Care in Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI) is a program of Poland’s National Health Fund that aims at comprehensive post-AMI care to improve long-term prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of MC-AMI on all-cause mortality in one-year follow-up. Methods: MC-AMI includes acute MI treatment, complex revascularization, cardiac rehabilitation (CR), scheduled one-year outpatient follow-up, and prevention of sudden cardiac death. In this retrospective observational study performed in a province of Silesia, Poland, we analyzed 3893 MC-AMI participants, and compared them to 6946 patients in the control group. After propensity score matching, we compared two groups of 3551 subjects each. To assess the effect of MC-AMI and other variables on mortality, we preformed a Cox regression. Results: MC-AMI was related with mortality reduction by 38% in a 12-month observation period and the effect persisted even after. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed MC-AMI participation to be inversely associated with 1-year mortality (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.42–0.65, p < 0.001). Besides that, older age (HR 1.47/10 y), ST-elevation AMI (HR 1.41), heart failure (HR 2.08), diabetes (HR 1.52), and dialysis (HR 2.38) were significantly associated with the primary endpoint. Among MC-AMI components, cardiac rehabilitation (HR 0.34) and strict outpatient care (HR 0.42) are the crucial factors affecting mortality reduction. Conclusions: Participation in MC-AMI reduced 1-year mortality by 38% and the effect persisted after the program had been completed.

Pattern of acute MI admissions in India during COVID-19 era: A Cardiological Society of India study - Rationale and design

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has affected around 20million patients worldwide and 2.0 million cases from India. The lockdown was employed to delay the pandemic. However, it had an unintentional impact on acute cardiovascular care, especially acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Observational studies have shown a decrease in hospital admissions for AMI in several developed countries during the pandemic period. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the AMI admissions patterns across India. MethodsIn this multicentric, retrospective, cross-sectional study, we included all AMI cases admitted to participating hospitals during the study period 15th March to 15th June 2020 and compared them using a historical control of all cases of AMI admitted during the corresponding period in the year 2019. Major objective of the study is to analyze the changes inthe number of hospital admissions for AMI in hospitals across India. In addition, we intend to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the weekly AMI admission rates, and other performance measures like rates of thrombolysis/primary percutaneous interventions (PCI), window period, door to balloon time, and door to needle time. Other objectives include evaluation of changes in the major complications and mortality rates of AMI and its predictors during COVID-19 pandemic. ConclusionsThis CSI-AMI study will provide scientific evidence about the impact of COVID-19 on AMI care in India. Based on this study, we may be able to suggest appropriate changes to the existing MI guidelines and to educate the public regarding emergency care for AMI during COVID-19 pandemic.

Association of treatments for acute myocardial infarction and survival for seven common comorbidity states: a nationwide cohort study

BackgroundComorbidity is common and has a substantial negative impact on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Whilst receipt of guideline-indicated treatment for AMI is associated with improved prognosis, the extent to which comorbidities influence treatment provision its efficacy is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the association between treatment provision for AMI and survival for seven common comorbidities.MethodsWe used data of 693,388 AMI patients recorded in the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP), 2003–2013. We investigated the association between comorbidities and receipt of optimal care for AMI (receipt of all eligible guideline-indicated treatments), and the effect of receipt of optimal care for comorbid AMI patients on long-term survival using flexible parametric survival models.ResultsA total of 412,809 [59.5%] patients with AMI had at least one comorbidity, including hypertension (302,388 [48.7%]), diabetes (122,228 [19.4%]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, 89,221 [14.9%]), cerebrovascular disease (51,883 [8.6%]), chronic heart failure (33,813 [5.6%]), chronic renal failure (31,029 [5.0%]) and peripheral vascular disease (27,627 [4.6%]).Receipt of optimal care was associated with greatest survival benefit for patients without comorbidities (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.51–0.56) followed by patients with hypertension (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.58–0.62), diabetes (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80–0.87), peripheral vascular disease (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79–0.91), renal failure (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.94) and COPD (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87–0.94). For patients with heart failure and cerebrovascular disease, optimal care for AMI was not associated with improved survival.ConclusionsOverall, guideline-indicated care was associated with improved long-term survival. However, this was not the case in AMI patients with concomitant heart failure or cerebrovascular disease. There is therefore a need for novel treatments to improve outcomes for AMI patients with pre-existing heart failure or cerebrovascular disease.

Weekly variation in quality of care for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by day and time of admission: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundThe admission time of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may affect the quality of care they receive. This study aimed to explore the pattern and magnitude of variation...

Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Significant racial and ethnic healthcare disparities exist in the management and outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This review will highlight the recent studies focusing on disparities in AMI care and how practice patterns have changed over time, and discuss solutions and future directions to overcome disparities in AMI care. AMI continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. Racial and ethnic disparities continue to be present in the care and outcomes associated with AMI. Non-white individuals continue to receive less guideline-concordant care and experience higher rates of adverse outcomes compared with white individuals. Health policy and quality improvement interventions have helped to narrow the gap; however, ongoing efforts are needed to continue to attempt to eliminate this disparity. Racial and ethnic disparities persist in the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with AMI. Improvements in care have narrowed some of the inequalities. Ongoing research and efforts directed at improving access to care, eliminating bias in healthcare, and focusing on coronary heart disease prevention are needed to eliminate disparities.

Acute myocardial infarction under-diagnosis and mortality in a Tanzanian emergency department: A prospective observational study

Growing evidence suggests that under-diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be common in sub-Saharan Africa. Prospective studies of routine AMI screening among patients presenting to emergency departments in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of AMI among patients in a Tanzanian emergency department. In a prospective observational study, consecutive adult patients presenting with chest pain or shortness of breath to a referral hospital emergency department in northern Tanzania were enrolled. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin testing were performed for all participants to diagnose AMI types according to the Fourth Universal Definition. All ECGs were interpreted by two independent physician judges. ECGs suggesting ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were further reviewed by additional judges. Mortality was assessed 30 days following enrollment. Of 681 enrolled participants, 152 (22.3%) had AMI, including 61 STEMIs and 91 non-STEMIS (NSTEMIs). Of AMI patients, 91 (59.9%) were male, mean (SD) age was 61.2 (18.5) years, and mean (SD) duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 6.6 (12.2) days. In the emergency department, 35 (23.0%) AMI patients received aspirin and none received thrombolytics. Of 150 (98.7%) AMI patients completing 30-day follow-up, 65 (43.3%) had died. In a northern Tanzanian emergency department, AMI is common, rarely treated with evidence-based therapies, and associated with high mortality. Interventions are needed to improve AMI diagnosis, care, and outcomes.

Management of acute myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Consensus Statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

The worldwide pandemic caused by the novel acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a new and lethal disease termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although there is an association between cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, the majority of patients who need cardiovascular care for the management of ischemic heart disease may not be infected with this novel coronavirus. The objective of this document is to provide recommendations for a systematic approach for the care of patients with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a recognition of two major challenges in providing recommendations for AMI care in the COVID-19 era. Cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 are complex with patients presenting with AMI, myocarditis simulating an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation, stress cardiomyopathy, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, coronary spasm, or nonspecific myocardial injury, and the prevalence of COVID-19 disease in the US population remains unknown with risk of asymptomatic spread. This document addresses the care of these patients focusing on (a) varied clinical presentations; (b) appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) for health care workers; (c) the roles of the emergency department, emergency medical system, and the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL); and (4) regional STEMI systems of care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains the standard of care for STEMI patients at PCI-capable hospitals when it can be provided in a timely manner, with an expert team outfitted with PPE in a dedicated CCL room. A fibrinolysis-based strategy may be entertained at non-PCI-capable referral hospitals or in specific situations where primary PCI cannot be executed or is not deemed the best option.

Abstract 334: Impact of Sex, Gender and Healthcare System on the Quality of Care in Young Adults With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The quality of care among young adults with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be related to biological (sex) or psycho-socio-cultural (gender) determinants or healthcare system-level factors. Objectives: To examine whether sex, gender, and the type of healthcare system influence the quality of AMI care among young adults. Methods: A total of 4,564 AMI young adults (&lt;55 years) (59% women, 47 years, 66% US) were analyzed from the VIRGO and GENESIS-PRAXY studies consisting of single-payer (Canada, Spain) versus multipayer (US) systems. For each patient treated in each system, we calculated a quality of care score (QCS) for pre-AMI (1-year pre-admission), in-hospital, and post-AMI (1-year post-discharge) phases of care (the number of quality indicators received divided by the total number [range=0-100%], with higher scores indicating better quality). The standard quality of care indicators were selected on the basis of being the standard of care to which young adults with AMI should have access to, based on European and North American Guidelines. Ordinal logistic or linear regression models and 2-way interactions between sex, gender and healthcare system were tested. Results: Women in the multipayer system had the highest risk factor burden. Across the phases of care for AMI, 20% of quality indicators were missed in both sexes. High stress, earner status, and social support were associated with a higher QCS in the pre-AMI phase, whereas only employment and earner status were associated with QCS in all other phases. In the pre-AMI phase, women had higher QCS than men, mainly in the single-payer system (adjusted-OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.46,2.35 vs. 1.07, 95%CI 0.84,1.36, P-interaction=0.002). Regardless of sex, only employment status had a greater effect in the multipayer system (adjusted-OR=0.59, 95%CI 0.44,0.78 vs 1.13, 95%CI 0.89,1.44, P-interaction&lt;0.001). In the in-hospital phase, women had a lower QCS than men, especially in the multipayer system (adjusted-mean-difference: -2.48, 95%CI-3.87,-1.08). Employment was associated with a higher QCS (2.0, 95%CI 0.9-3.17, P interaction &gt;0.05). Finally, in the post-AMI phase, men and women had a lower QCS, predominantly in the multipayer system. However, primary earners had higher QCS regardless of the healthcare system. Conclusion: Sex, gender, and the healthcare system affected the quality of care after AMI. Women had a poorer in-hospital than men and young adults had suboptimal post-discharge care. Being unemployed lowered the quality of care, more so in the multipayer healthcare system.