The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55432

Tina L. Harralson, PhD, Amanda Millar, BA, and Natalie A. Brown, BA. Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and Research, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, One Penn Boulevard, Wister Tower, 4th Fl. Suite 4442, Philadelphia, PA 19144, 215-951-8470, HarralsonT@einstein.edu

Delaying the decision to seek emergency medical treatment for the acute symptoms of a heart attack can mean the difference in life or death. National guidelines recommend that emergency medical treatment for a heart attack begin within 60 minutes of the onset of symptoms in order to prevent extensive damage to the heart and possibly death. It is the purpose of this study to examine social, behavioral, economic, and medical factors that influence the decision to seek medical attention for acute symptoms of a heart attack.

To date, 33 women (70% African American) have been interviewed after being admitted into an urban hospital for the symptoms of a heart attack. The time delay between symptoms onset and the decision to seek medical attention ranged from less than 60 minutes up to 5 days. Only 27% of the women sought medical attention within the recommended 60 minutes, while 73% waited one hour or more. Twenty-two percent of this sample waited 24 hours or more to seek medical care. Among women who waited 24 hours or more, some of the reasons were: they did not want to burden others; they thought the pain would go away, and/ or they never thought they could have a heart attack. Quantitative and qualitative analysis will be presented, and educational initiatives that focus on increasing symptom knowledge and awareness of risk factors will be discussed

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants will be able to:
• 1)Identify factors that influence the decision to seek prompt emergency medical attention for the symptoms of a heart attack among urban women.
• 2)Recognize the importance of educating the public about symptoms and risks of heart disease, and the importance of empowering women to seek prompt emergency medical attention for these symptoms.

Keywords: Decision-Making, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.