Factors determining time of arrival at the catheterization laboratory among elderly patients with STEMI

Abstract

Background. ACSs, especially myocardial infarction, are among the most common life-threatening conditions. When an ACS is suspected, treatment must be started as quickly as possible to maximize the chances of saving the patient’s life and health. Ischemic heart disease diagnosis is more difficult in the elderly population than in younger patients, due to the higher complexity of symptoms, the less frequent occurrence of typical angina, and more frequent nonspecific symptoms or asymptomatic course. Objectives. To demonstrate the relationship between time of arrival at the catheterization lab following a STEMI in elderly patients and the patients’ cognitive function. Material and methods. The study included 80 patients above 60 years of age, treated for STEMI. The study used an own questionnaire and the MMSE questionnaire. Results. Most patients called an ambulance between 30 and 60 minutes after experiencing first myocardial infarction symptoms (31%). The majority of patients waited 30–60 minutes for the ambulance to arrive (49%), and the time between the occurrence of chest pain and arrival at the catheterization lab was typically 4–5 hours (31%). Statistical analysis showed no significant correlations between MMSE scores and time of arrival at the catheterization lab. Conclusions. Cognitive impairment does not significantly affect the time of transport to the catheterization lab.