EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
UNTIL 5 P.M., EDT,
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1997
April 15, 1997, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians (ACP), more than 100,000 physicians trained in internal medicine. The following
highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For a copy of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656.
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Delayed Hospital Presentation in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Patients who have had acute myocardial infarction often delay hospital presentation. Educational interventions targeted to specific patient populations may be most successful in reducing delay and improving outcomes of these patients, a study shows. (Article, p. 593.) A retrospective chart review of 2,409 patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction found that encouraging emergency medical transport services and targeting specific patient populations such as the elderly, women and persons with cardiac risk factors may be the most successful management strategy for those patients.
The National Heart Attack Alert Program issues recommendations for reducing delay in patients with an evolving acute myocardial infarction. (Perspective, p. 645.) Patients at risk for myocardial infarction should be informed about the symptoms of coronary artery occlusion, the importance of contacting emergency medical services quickly, and the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment, the guidelines state.
An accompanying editorial calls for an effective health policy that addresses the high risk for delayed presentation among patients who have had acute myocardial infarction and who have inadequate health insurance. (Editorial, p. 652.)
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Causes of Death in Homeless Adults
Homeless adults had high mortality rates caused by treatable or preventable conditions which varied by age group, a study shows. A cohort study of 17,292 homeless adults in Boston found homicide was the leading cause of death in persons 18 to 24 years of age, AIDS caused the most deaths in persons 25 to 44 years of age, and heart disease and cancer were the major causes of death in persons 45 to 64 years of age. (Article, p. 625.)
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