Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Individuals experiencing symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) delay hours in seeking treatment for their symptoms. Given the efficacy of early medical therapy in AMI, it is important to understand how men and women make the decision to seek treatment for their symptoms. A descriptive study was conducted to determine if differences in interpretation and response to symptoms of AMI account for additional delay in seeking treatment in women compared with men. Fifty post-AMI patients were interviewed within 72 hours of admission using the Revised Response to Symptoms Questionnaire. The predominant initial response to symptoms for both men and women was to take medication (n=17,34%). "Tried to pretend that nothing was wrong" was the second most predominant response (n=5,10%). No participants called 911. Perceived insignificance of symptoms had a greater impact upon women's than men's decision to delay in seeking treatment. Knowledge of risk factors for heart disease influenced participants to seek treatment sooner than those unable to identify even one personal risk factor. Women and healthcare professionals must perceive heart disease as an equally serious problem for both women and men. Until this occurs, women may continue to perceive symptoms of AMI as initially insignificant, and implement self-treatment strategies instead of seeking immediate medical care. The results of this study warrant more research on how healthcare professionals communicate the health risks of heart disease to the general public.
Learning Objectives: 1) Identify the known sociodemographic, clinical and environmental factors associated with delay in seeking treatment for symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. 2) Identify the potential differences in causes of treatment seeking delay between men and women with symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. 3) List three areas for future public education campaigns regarding seeking treatment for symptoms of acute myocardial infarction.
Keywords: Myocardial Infarction, Decision-Making
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.