Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Cardiovascular medicine

Myocardial infarction: improving patient outcomes

Con Aroney
Abstract
Early recognition of myocardial infarction – by both patient and doctor – is an essential part of the chain of survival. This article outlines a management framework for ST elevation and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Key Points
  • The greatest opportunity to improve outcomes after myocardial infarction lies in reducing patient delay. Early recognition of symptoms by patients allows for emergency assistance.
  • Many patients with myocardial infarction or unstable angina present to their local doctor rather than a hospital. All adults should be educated that the appropriate response to chest discomfort lasting more than 10 minutes is to call an ambulance.
  • All undiagnosed chest discomfort in adults over 30 years of age should be treated as possible coronary disease until proven otherwise.
  • Treatment for STEMI (ST elevation myocardial infarction) includes aspirin and emergency reperfusion therapy with either angioplasty or fibrinolytic therapy.
  • NSTEMI (non-ST elevation myocardial infarction) carries a worse long term prognosis than STEMI. Treatment includes early antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy followed by angiography, preferably within 24 or 48 hours.
Purchase the PDF version of this article
Purchase PDF AUD$34.99
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Already a subscriber?