FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LATE PRESENTATION OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract

Objective: To find out various factors responsible for delay in thrombolysis in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in District Head Quarters hospital Timergara, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data was collected from January 2017 to December 2017. All patients admitted to Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) with acute STEMI were enrolled in the study. Sample size of the study was 261. After administering emergency treatment, all patients were interviewed regarding duration of onset of chest pain, hospital arrival time and any factor responsible for delay between onset of chest pain and hospital arrival. Thrombolysis was done and time of thrombolysis was recorded. Results: Mean age of the patients was 60 ± 8 years (28-90 years). Out of total 261 patients, 176 (66.92 %) were thrombolysed. Misconception of having other disease like gastric problem and misdiagnosis by general physician were most common factors responsible for delay in hospital arrival. Conclusion: Misconception of having other disease like gastric problem and misdiagnosis by general physician are most common factors responsible for delay in hospital arrival.