Factors associated with delay in the therapy of reperfusion in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a hospital in south east Mexico

Introduction and subject: The aim of the study was to determine the factors involved in the delayed medical care of patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in patients admitted to the coronary care unit at Dr. Juan Graham Casasus hospital with a diagnosis of ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction. In all patients, clinical data, type and time of reperfusion treatment, and factors associated with delay were identified. Results: Between November 2012 and January 2015 we included 213 patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Age, diabetes, atypical chest angina and patient arrival period (night or weekend), were more frequent in patients presenting after 12 hours of onset of symptoms of myocardial infarction. Of these, hospital admission at night or weekend was the only independent predictor for delay to the emergency room. Conclusions: This study shows that in a referral hospital in southeast of Mexico, the delay attributable to the patient was the most common factor associated with care in patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Patient arrival period was associated with delay to medical care.