FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DELAY TO TREATMENT FOR ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION IN IRELAND

Irish data from the ISIS-2 multi-centre study of thrombolytic therapy has indicated longer delays to treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than in other countries (7.9 vs 6.9 hours. p<0.001), Further examination of this database (n=83) patients) found no influence of age and sex of patient on delay times, Distance from hospital was not associated with delay while previous experience of MI was marginally associated with decreased delay (previous MI: 7.1 vs no previous MI: 8 hours, p=0.06). These-relatively lengthy Irish delays require further investigation to inform management strategies aimed at reducing delay.