Only half of the more than 700,000 patients suffering from a heart attack between 1994 and 1998 called 911, according to findings being presented March 19 by John Canto, M.D., at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Orlando.
Not surprisingly, those who did not use the emergency management system were frequently younger, male and were at lower risk of death on initial presentation. Canto, director of the UAB Chest Pain Center, also found that the ability to pay did not appear to influence the decision to call 911.
"When you're dealing with heart attacks, the timing of therapy is vitally important. By using the EMS system, you're more likely to get these therapies faster."
Contact Tracy Bischoff, Media Relations, 205-934-8935, [email protected].
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