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- Andersson, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Assaying cardiac biomarkers for toxicity testing using biosensing and cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells
- 2010
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In: JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY. - : Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam.. - 0168-1656 .- 1873-4863. ; 150:1, s. 175-181
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived cardiomyocytes are in the present study being used for testing drug-induced cardiotoxicity in a biosensor set-up. The design of an in vitro testing alternative provides a novel opportunity to surpass previous methods based on rodent cells or cell lines due to its significantly higher toxicological relevance. In this report we demonstrate how hESC-derived cardiomyocytes release detectable levels of two clinically decisive cardiac biomarkers, cardiac troponin T and fatty acid binding protein 3, when the cardiac cells are exposed to the well-known cardioactive drug compound. doxorubicin. The release is monitored by the immuno-biosensor technique surface plasmon resonance, particularly appropriate due to its capacity for parallel and high-throughput analysis in complex media.
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- Arefalk, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Discontinuation of Smokeless Tobacco and Mortality Risk After Myocardial Infarction
- 2014
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 130:4, s. 325-323
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background-Given the indications of increased risk for fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in people who use snus, a moist smokeless tobacco product, we hypothesized that discontinuation of snus use after an MI would reduce mortality risk. Methods and Results-All patients who were admitted to coronary care units for an MI in Sweden between 2005 and 2009 and were <75 years of age underwent a structured examination 2 months after discharge (the baseline of the present study). We investigated the risk of mortality in post-MI snus quitters (n=675) relative to post-MI continuing snus users (n=1799) using Cox proportional hazards analyses. During follow-up (mean 2.1 years), 83 participants died. The mortality rate was 9.7 (95% confidence interval, 5.7-16.3) per 1000 person-years at risk in post-MI snus quitters and 18.7 (14.8-23.6) per 1000 person-years at risk in post-MI continuing snus users. After adjustment for age and sex, post-MI snus quitters had half the mortality risk of post-MI continuing snus users (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.91). In a multivariable-adjusted model, the hazard ratio was 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.32-1.02). The corresponding estimate for people who quit smoking after MI versus post-MI continuing smokers was 0.54 (95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.69). Conclusions-In this study, discontinuation of snus use after an MI was associated with a nearly halved mortality risk, similar to the benefit associated with smoking cessation. These observations suggest that the use of snus after MI should be discouraged.
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- Arnetz, Judith E., et al.
(author)
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Is patient involvement during hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction associated with post-discharge treatment outcome? : an exploratory study
- 2010
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In: Health Expectations. - : Wiley. - 1369-6513 .- 1369-7625. ; 13:3, s. 298-311
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To investigate whether patient involvement during hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (MI) was associated with health and behavioural outcomes 6–10 weeks after hospital discharge. Background Patient involvement has been associated with improved health outcomes in chronic disease, but less research has focused on the effects of patient involvement in acute conditions, such as MI. Design Self-administered questionnaire study. Questionnaire results were run against medical outcome data in a national database of cardiac patients. Setting and participants Cardiac patients (n = 591) on their first follow-up visit after hospitalization for MI at 11 Swedish hospitals. Main outcome measures Patient ratings of three questionnaire scales related to involvement; cardiovascular symptoms, medication compliance, participation in cardiac rehabilitation, and achievement of secondary preventive goals. Results More positive patient ratings of involvement were significantly associated with fewer cardiovascular symptoms 6–10 weeks after hospital discharge. In contrast, patients who attended cardiac rehabilitation and achieved the goals for smoking cessation and systolic blood pressure were significantly less satisfied with their involvement. No association was found between involvement ratings and medication compliance. Conclusion This study represents a first attempt to examine associations between patient involvement in the acute phase of illness and short-term health outcomes. Some significant associations between involvement and health and behavioural outcomes after acute MI were found. However, higher involvement ratings were not consistently associated with more desirable outcomes, and involvement during hospitalization was not associated with MI patient health and behaviour 6–10 weeks after hospital discharge to the extent hypothesized.
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- Bingisser, Roland, et al.
(author)
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Cardiac troponin : a critical review of the case for point-of-care testing in the ED
- 2012
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In: American Journal of Emergency Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-6757 .- 1532-8171. ; 30:8, s. 1639-1649
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The measurement of cardiac troponin concentrations in the blood is a key element in the evaluation of patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes, according to current guidelines, and contributes importantly to the ruling in or ruling out of acute myocardial infarction. The introduction of point-of-care testing for cardiac troponin has the potential to reduce turnaround time for assay results, compared with central laboratory testing, optimizing resource use. Although, in general, many point-of-care cardiac troponin tests are less sensitive than cardiac troponin tests developed for central laboratory-automated analyzers, point-of-care systems have been used successfully within accelerated protocols for the reliable ruling out of acute coronary syndromes, without increasing subsequent readmission rates for this condition. The impact of shortened assay turnaround times with point-of-care technology on length of stay in the emergency department has been limited to date, with most randomized evaluations of this technology having demonstrated little or no reduction in this outcome parameter. Accordingly, the point-of-care approach has not been shown to be cost-effective relative to central laboratory testing. Modeling studies suggest, however, that reengineering overall procedures within the emergency department setting, to take full advantage of reduced therapeutic turnaround time, has the potential to improve the flow of patients through the emergency department, to shorten discharge times, and to reduce cost. To properly evaluate the potential contribution of point-of-care technology in the emergency department, including its costeffectiveness, future evaluations of point-of-care platforms will need to be embedded completely within a local decision-making structure designed for its use.
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- Bingisser, Roland, et al.
(author)
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Measurement of natriuretic peptides at the point of care in the emergency and ambulatory setting : Current status and future perspectives
- 2013
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In: American Heart Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-8703 .- 1097-6744. ; 166:4, s. 614-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The measurement of natriuretic peptides (NPs), B-type NP or N-terminal pro-B-type NP, can be an important tool in the diagnosis of acute heart failure in patients presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) with acute dyspnea, according to international guidelines. Studies and subsequent meta-analyses are mixed on the absolute value of routine NP assessment of ED patients. However, levels of NPs are likely to be used also to guide treatment and to assess risk of adverse outcomes in other patients at risk of developing heart failure, including those with pulmonary embolism or diabetes, or receiving chemotherapy. Natriuretic peptide levels, like other biomarkers, can now be measured at the point of care (POC). We have reviewed the current status of NP measurement together with the potential contribution of POC measurement of NPs to clinical care delivery in the emergency and other settings. Several POC systems for measuring NP levels are now available: these produce test results within 15 minutes and appear sufficiently sensitive and robust to be used routinely in diagnostic evaluations. Point-of-care systems could be used to assess NP levels in the ED and community outpatient settings to monitor the risk of acute heart failure. Furthermore, the use of protocol-driven POC testing of NP within the time frame of a patient consultation in the ED may facilitate and accelerate the throughput and disposition of at-risk patients. Appropriately designed clinical trials will be needed to confirm these potential benefits. It is also important that processes of care delivery are redesigned to take full advantage of the faster turnaround times provided by POC technology.
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- Bjurman, Christian, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Small changes in Troponin T levels are common in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and are linked to higher mortality
- 2013
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 62:14, s. 1231-1238
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE:To examine the extent of change in Troponin T levels in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).BACKGROUND:Changes in cardiac troponin levels are required for the diagnosis of NSTEMI, according to the new universal definition of acute myocardial infarction. A relative change of 20-230 % and an absolute change of 7- 9 ng/L have been suggested as cut-off points.METHOD:In a clinical setting, where a change in cTnT was not mandatory for the diagnosis of NSTEMI, serial samples of cTnT were measured with a high-sensitive cTnT (hs-cTnT) assay, and 37 clinical parameters were evaluated in 1178 patients with a final diagnosis of NSTEMI presenting <24h after symptom onset.RESULTS:After six hours of observation, the relative change in the hs-cTnT level remained <20 % in 26 % and the absolute change <9 ng/L in 12 % of the NSTEMI patients. A relative hs-cTnT change <20% was linked to higher long-term mortality across quartiles (p=0.002) and in multivariate analyses (HR 1.61 (1.17-2.21) p=0.004), whereas 30-day mortality was similar across quartiles of relative hs-cTnT changeCONCLUSION:Because stable hs-TnT levels are common in patients with a clinical diagnosis of NSTEMI in our hospital, a small hs-cTnT change may not be useful to exclude NSTEMI, particularly as these patients show both short-term and long-term mortality at least as high as patients with large changes in hs-cTnT.
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- Carlhed, Rickard
(author)
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Quality Improvement in Acute Coronary Care : Combining the Use of an Interactive Quality Registry with a Quality Improvement Collaborative to Improve Clinical Outcome in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
- 2012
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The quality of care for Swedish patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is continuously increasing. Nevertheless, a great potential for improvement still exists.The aim of the present study was to design and implement a systematic quality improvement (QI) collaborative in the area of AMI care, and to validate its usefulness primarily by analyzing its effect on hospital adherence to national guidelines. Also, the impact on patient morbidity and mortality was to be evaluated. The intervention was based on proven QI methodologies, as well as interactive use of a web-based quality registry with enhanced, powerful feedback functions.19 hospitals in the intervention group were matched to 19 similar control hospitals. In comparison with the control group, the intervention group showed significantly higher post-interventional improvements in 4 out of 5 analyzed quality indicators (significance shown for ACE-inhibitors, Clopidogrel, Heparin/LMWH, Coronary angiography, no significance for Lipid-lowering therapy).From baseline to the post-intervention measurement, the intervention hospitals showed significantly lower all-cause mortality and cardiovascular re-admission rates (events per 100 patient-years; -2,82, 95% CI -5,26 to -0,39; -9,31, 95% CI -15,48 to -3,14, respectively). No significant improvements were seen in the control group.The improved guideline adherence rates in the intervention hospitals were sustained for all indicators but one (ACE-inhibitors), this during a follow-up measurement three months after study support withdrawal. No effects were seen on any indicators other than those primarily targeted.In conclusion, by combining a systematic QI collaborative with the utilization of a national quality registry, significant improvements in quality of care for patients with AMI can be achieved.
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- Carlhed, Rickard, et al.
(author)
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Quality improvement in coronary care : Analysis of sustainability and impact on adjacent clinical measures after a Swedish controlled, multicenter quality improvement collaborative
- 2012
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In: Journal of the American Heart Association. - 2047-9980. ; 1:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Quality Improvement in Coronary Care, a Swedish multicenter, controlled quality-improvement (QI) collaborative, has shown significant improvements in adherence to national guidelines for acute myocardial infarction, as well as improved clinical outcome. The objectives of this report were to describe the sustainability of the improvements after withdrawal of study support and a consolidation period of 3 months and to report whether improvements were disseminated to treatments and diagnostic procedures other than those primarily targeted.Methods and Results Multidisciplinary teams from 19 Swedish hospitals were educated in basic QI methodologies. Another 19 matched hospitals were included as blinded controls. All evaluations were made on the hospital level, and data were obtained from a national quality registry, Swedish Register of Information and Knowledge About Swedish Heart Intensive Care Admissions (RIKS-HIA). Sustainability indicators consisted of use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, lipid-lowering therapy, clopidogrel, low-molecular weight heparin, and coronary angiography. Dissemination indicators were use of echocardiography, stress tests, and reperfusion therapy; time delays; and length of stay. At the reevaluation period of 6 months, the improvements at the QI intervention hospitals were sustained in all indicators but 1 (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor). Between the 2 measurements, the control group improved significantly in all but 1 indicator (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor). However, at the second measurement, the absolute adherence rates of the intervention hospitals were still numerically higher in all 5 indicators, and significantly so in 1 (clopidogrel). No significant changes were observed for the dissemination indicators.Conclusions The combination of a systematic QI collaborative with a national, interactive quality registry might lead to substantial and sustained improvements in the quality of acute myocardial infarction care. However, to achieve disseminated improvements in adjacent clinical measures, those adjacent measures probably should be made explicit before any QI intervention.
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- Ebeling Barbier, Charlotte, et al.
(author)
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Cardiac Troponin I Associated with the Development of Unrecognized Myocardial Infarctions Detected with MRI
- 2014
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In: Clinical Chemistry. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0009-9147 .- 1530-8561. ; 60:10, s. 1327-1335
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Late enhancement MRI (LE-MRI) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are sensitive methods to detect subclinical myocardial injury. We sought to investigate the relation between plasma concentrations of cTnI measured with a high-sensitivity assay (hs-cTnI) and the development of unrecognized myocardial infarctions (UMIs) detected with LE-MRI.METHODS:After approval from the ethics committee and written informed consent were obtained, LE-MRI was performed on 248 randomly selected community-living 70-year-old volunteers and hs-cTnI was determined with a highly sensitive premarket assay. Five years later these individuals were invited to a second LE-MRI, and 176 of them (82 women, 94 men), who did not have a hospital diagnosis of MI, constitute the present study population. LE-MR images were analyzed by 2 radiologists independently and in a consensus reading, blinded to any information on previous disease or assessments.RESULTS:New or larger UMIs were detected in 37 participants during follow-up. Plasma concentrations of hs-cTnI at 70 years of age, which were mainly within what is considered to be the reference interval, were related to new or larger UMIs at 75 years of age with an odds ratio of 1.98 per 1 unit increase in ln-transformed cTnI (95% CI, 1.17-3.35; P = 0.010). Plasma concentrations of hs-cTnI at 70 years of age were associated with the volumes of the UMIs detected at 75 years of age (P = 0.028).CONCLUSIONS:hs-cTnI in 70-year-old community-living women and men was associated with the development of MRI-detected UMIs within 5 years.
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- Eggers, Kai M, et al.
(author)
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A novel approach to cardiac troponins to improve the diagnostic work-up in chest pain patients
- 2012
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In: Critical Pathways in Cardiology. - 1535-282X .- 1535-2811. ; 11:4, s. 199-205
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In patients with acute chest pain, current guidelines recommend serial measurements of cardiac troponins at predefined and partly late time points. Consequently, diagnostic assessment in these patients tends to be lengthy and often results in unnecessary admissions. We, therefore, evaluated whether an approach integrating troponin results into the clinical context provided by the individual patient's presentation might facilitate the early diagnostic work-up. In 197 chest pain patients, cardiac troponin I (cTnI; Stratus CS) was measured serially within 12 hours after hospital admission. In patient cohorts with different chances of having myocardial infarction (MI) according to clinical data, electrocardiographic findings, and admission biomarker results, pretest probabilities for MI were calculated and compared with posttest probabilities derived from subsequent cTnI results after admission. Elevated cTnI levels at 1 to 2 hours after admission revealed ≥95.0% posttest probabilities for MI in cohorts with intermediate or high chances of having MI. The posttest probabilities for the absence of MI were 94.7% to 98.2% in cohorts with low or intermediate chances of having MI when cTnI was negative at 2 hours. Troponin testing considering the individual patient's pretest probability of MI seems, in conclusion, to provide clinically useful information already 1 to 2 hours after admission. Such an approach has the potential to identify both patient cohorts in whom early discharge or admittance for further evaluation would be appropriate. This could facilitate the early diagnostic work-up of chest pain patients, thereby improving patient flow and reducing overcrowding in healthcare facilities.
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- Eggers, Kai M, et al.
(author)
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Associations of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin levels to cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities, and mortality in an elderly population from the community
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 168:4, s. 3537-3542
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:The mid-regional part of the prohormone of adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is emerging as a novel risk indicator in patients with cardiac disease. We investigated MR-proADM levels and their changes over 5years in elderly community-dwellers, together with the underlying cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, and the prognostic implications of these measurements.METHODS AND RESULTS:MR-proADM was analyzed using a sandwich immunoassay (Thermo Fisher Scientific) in participants from the PIVUS study. Measurements were performed at 70 (n=1002) and 75years of age (n=795) together with various measurements of other markers of cardiovascular function. In cross-sectional analyses, MR-proADM was independently related to current smoking, renal dysfunction, obesity, lower left-ventricular ejection fraction, and higher levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein. There were no independent associations to other cardiovascular risk factors or vascular pathologies. MR-proADM levels predicted all-cause mortality during 8.0years of follow-up independent of cardiovascular risk indicators (adjusted HR 5.1 [95% CI 2.8-9.5]; p<0.001) using results obtained at 70 and 75years as updated covariates. Baseline MR-proADM levels improved prognostic discrimination (IDI=0.018 [p=0.001]). Also the change in MR-proADM levels over time independently predicted all-cause mortality occurring after 75years (adjusted HR 13.4 [95% CI 3.5-50.5]; p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS:MR-proADM levels in the elderly integrate information on several relevant aspects in cardiovascular disease, namely cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, low-grade inflammation, renal dysfunction and left-ventricular abnormalities. Furthermore, MR-proADM and its changes over time predicted mortality, and might provide utility as an indicator of the overall cardiovascular risk burden.
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- Eggers, Kai M, 1962-, et al.
(author)
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Cardiac troponin I levels in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome : the importance of gender
- 2014
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In: American Heart Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-8703 .- 1097-6744. ; 168:3, s. 317-324.e1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Measurement of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin levels is increasingly used in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). However, studies investigating the distribution and prognostic implications of high-sensitivity troponin levels in men and women separately are currently lacking.METHODS: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were determined using a high-sensitivity assay (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) in 1,677 male and 1,073 female NSTE-ACS patients participating in the GUSTO IV study. The prognostic associations of cTnI to outcome (30-day composite end point of recurrent myocardial infarction and 1-year mortality) were assessed in multivariable models, using cTnI both as a continuous variable and dichotomized at different sets of single and gender-specific 99th percentiles.RESULTS: Median cTnI levels were 947 and 175 ng/L in men and women, respectively (P < .001). The adjusted odds ratios for cTnI (ln) were similar in men and women. The adjusted odds ratios for cTnI above the tested 99th percentiles levels in contrast were twice as high in women compared with men. This was a consequence of differences in the cTnI distribution and risk gradients across cTnI levels, in particular due to lower event rates in women without cTnI elevation. Gender-specific cutoffs did not improve risk prediction.CONCLUSIONS: Despite overall lower levels, cTnI above the tested 99th percentiles exhibited stronger prognostic information in women with NSTE-ACS compared with men. This likely reflects differences in the pathophysiology and the clinical presentation in NSTE-ACS. Our data, thus, emphasize that women with symptoms of unstable coronary artery disease encompass a broader risk panorama than men.
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- Eggers, Kai M., et al.
(author)
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Cardiac troponin I levels measured with a high-sensitive assay increase over time and are strong predictors of mortality in an elderly population
- 2013
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 61:18, s. 1906-1913
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Cardiac troponin levels are often detectable in community-dwellers when sensitive assays are applied. However, information on the course of troponin levels over time is limited.OBJECTIVES:We assessed changes in troponin levels, underlying conditions and the prognostic implications thereof in elderly subjects from the community.METHODS: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was measured using a novel high-sensitive assay from Abbott Laboratories in community-dwellers aged 70 years (PIVUS study). Measurements were performed at baseline (n=1004) and after 5 years (n=814). Total follow-up was 8.0 years.RESULTS:cTnI levels were detectable in 968 (96.4%) subjects at baseline, and independently predicted all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.44 [95% CI 1.18-1.77]) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR 1.66 [95% CI 1.20-2.29]) when levels from baseline and 5-year follow-up were used as updated covariates. The integrated discrimination improvement of cTnI regarding all-cause mortality was 0.014 (p=0.04) and the category-free net reclassification improvement was 0.231 (p=0.02). Median cTnI levels increased by 45% between both measurements. The change in cTnI levels was significantly related to male sex (p=0.02), body mass index (p=0.01), HDL-cholesterol (p=0.005), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (p=0.004) and the left-ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.04), and independently predicted all-cause mortality occurring after 5-year follow-up (adjusted HR 1.97 [1.14-3.40]; p=0.02).CONCLUSIONS:Using a novel high-sensitive assay, cTnI levels could be determined in nearly all elderly subjects. cTnI levels increased over time and were a strong marker of mortality risk. Our data suggest that cTnI might offer utility for clinical assessment of subjects in the general population.
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29. |
- Eggers, Kai M., et al.
(author)
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Clinical implications of the change of cardiac troponin I levels in patients with acute chest pain - An evaluation with respect to the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction
- 2011
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In: Clinica Chimica Acta. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-8981 .- 1873-3492. ; 412:1-2, s. 91-97
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction incorporates elevated cardiac troponin levels (>99th percentile) together with a significant rise/fall of troponins as biochemical criterion. We sought to evaluate the clinical implications of the relative change of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels with respect to the Universal Definition in patients with acute chest pain. Methods: cTnI (Stratus CS) was measured serially in 454 patients within 24 h from admission. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was defined using the criteria adapted to the ESC/ACC consensus document, or corresponding to the Universal Definition together with prespecified cTnI changes of >= 20%, >= 50% and >= 100%. Follow-up was completed after 5.8 years. Results: A peak cTnI level above the 99th percentile together with a cTnI change of >= 20% was found in 160 patients of whom 25 did not have AMI according to the ESC/ACC criteria. These 160 patients had a significantly raised mortality (HR 2.5[95% CI 1.7-3.8]). Higher cTnI deltas were not associated with higher mortalities but identified smaller patient cohorts at risk. Conclusions: The Universal Definition of AMI together with a >= 20% cTnI change appears to improve the discrimination of acute from chronic causes of cTnI release, and allows a reliable identification of patients at risk.
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30. |
- Eggers, Kai M, et al.
(author)
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Factors Influencing the 99th Percentile of Cardiac Troponin I Evaluated in Community-Dwelling Individuals at 70 and 75 Years of Age
- 2013
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In: Clinical Chemistry. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0009-9147 .- 1530-8561. ; 59:7, s. 1068-1073
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effects of sex, prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD), and ageing on the 99th percentile of cardiac troponin I (cTnI).METHODS:cTnI was measured using a high-sensitivity assay (Abbott Diagnostics) in 814 community-dwelling individuals at both 70 and 75 years of age. We determined the cTnI 99th percentiles separately using nonparametric methods in the total sample, in men and women, and in individuals with and without CVD.RESULTS:The cTnI 99th percentile at baseline was 55.2 ng/L for the total cohort. Higher 99th percentiles were noted in men (69.3 ng/L) and individuals with CVD (74.5 ng/L). The cTnI 99th percentile in individuals free from CVD at baseline (n = 498) increased by 51% from 38.4 to 58.0 ng/L during the 5-year observation period. Relative increases ranging from 44% to 83% were noted across all subgroups. Male sex [odds ratio, 5.3 (95% CI, 1.5-18.3)], log-transformed N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [odds ratio, 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2-3.0)], and left-ventricular mass index [odds ratio, 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1-1.5)] predicted increases in cTnI concentrations from below the 99th percentile (i.e., 38.4 ng/L) at baseline to concentrations above the 99th percentile at the age of 75 years.CONCLUSIONS: cTnI concentration and its 99th percentile threshold depend strongly on the characteristics of the population being assessed. Among elderly community dwellers, higher concentrations were seen in men and individuals with prevalent CVD. Ageing contributes to increasing concentrations, given the pronounced changes seen with increasing age across all subgroups. These findings should be taken into consideration when applying cTnI decision thresholds in clinical settings.
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31. |
- Eggers, Kai M., 1962-, et al.
(author)
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Growth-differentiation factor-15 for long-term risk prediction in patients stabilized after an episode of non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome
- 2010
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In: Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics. - 1942-3268. ; 3:1, s. 88-96
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has emerged as a prognostic biomarker in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome. This study assessed the time course and the long-term prognostic relevance of GDF-15 levels measured repetitively in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome during 6 months after the acute event. METHODS AND RESULTS: GDF-15 and other biomarkers were measured at randomization, after 6 weeks, and after 3 and 6 months in 950 patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome included in the FRagmin and Fast Revascularization during InStability in Coronary artery disease II study. Study end points were death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and their composite during 5-year follow-up. Median GDF-15 levels decreased slightly from 1357 ng/L at randomization to 1302 ng/L at 6 months (P<0.001). GDF-15 was consistently related to cardiovascular risk factors and biochemical markers of hemodynamic stress, renal dysfunction, and inflammation. Moreover, GDF-15 was independently related to the 5-year risk of the composite end point when measured at both 3 months (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.8 [1.0 to 3.0]) and 6 months (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.3 [1.3 to 4.1]). Serial measurements of GDF-15 at randomization and 6 months helped to identify patient cohorts at different levels of risk, with patients with persistently elevated GDF-15 levels >1800 ng/L having the highest rate of the composite end point. CONCLUSIONS: GDF-15 is independently related to adverse events in non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome both in the acute setting and for at least 6 months after clinical stabilization. Therefore, continued research on GDF-15 should be focused on the usefulness of GDF-15 for support of clinical management in acute and chronic ischemic heart disease.
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32. |
- Eggers, Kai M., et al.
(author)
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High-sensitive cardiac troponin T and its relations to cardiovascular risk factors, morbidity, and mortality in elderly men
- 2013
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In: American Heart Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-8703 .- 1097-6744. ; 166:3, s. 541-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Cardiac troponin is emerging as risk indicator in community-dwelling populations. In this study, we investigated the associations of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) to cardiovascular (CV) disease and outcome in elderly men. Methods Cardiac troponin T was measured using a high-sensitive assay in 940 men aged 71 years participating in the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men. We assessed both the cross-sectional associations of cTnT to CV risk factors and morbidities including cancer and the longitudinal associations to outcomes over 10 years of follow-up. Results Cardiac troponin T levels were measurable in 872 subjects (92.8%). In the cross-sectional analyses, cTnT was associated to CV risk factors (diabetes, smoking, and obesity), renal dysfunction, CV disease including atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease, and biomarkers of inflammation and left ventricular dysfunction. In the longitudinal analyses, cTnT independently predicted total mortality and CV events including stroke. The standardized adjusted hazard ratio regarding the composite CV end point was 1.5 (95% CI 1.3-1.8), P < .001, for men with prevalent CV disease and 1.2 (95% CI 1.0-1.4), P = .02, for men without. Cardiac troponin T improved discrimination metrics for all outcomes in the total population. This was mainly driven by the prognostic value of cTnT in subjects with prevalent CV disease. Conclusions In community-dwelling men, cTnT levels are associated to CV risk factors and morbidities and predict both fatal and nonfatal CV events. The relations to outcome are mainly seen in men with prevalent CV disease indicating that the prognostic value of cTnT in subjects free from CV disease is limited.
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33. |
- Eggers, Kai M., et al.
(author)
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High-sensitive cardiac troponin T outperforms novel diagnostic biomarkers in patients with acute chest pain
- 2012
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In: Clinica Chimica Acta. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-8981 .- 1873-3492. ; 413:13-14, s. 1135-1140
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Measurement of high-sensitive cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) has facilitated the early diagnostic assessment of chest pain patients. However, the information obtained from hs-cTnT levels might be improved when combined with results of other biomarkers of myocardial injury.Methods: We measured admission levels of hs-cTnT (Roche Diagnostics), heart-type fatty-acid binding protein (H-FABP; Randox Laboratories) and copeptin using a novel ultra-sensitive (us) assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific) in 360 chest pain patients with a non-diagnostic ECG. Non-STEMI was defined according to the Universal Definition using cardiac troponin I (Stratus CS; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) as biochemical gold standard.Results: Non-STEMI was diagnosed in 128 (36%) patients. Hs-cTnT had a greater diagnostic accuracy regarding non-STEMI (C-statistics 0.84) compared to H-FABP (C-statistics 0.80; p = 0.04) and us-copeptin C-statistics(0.62; p < 0.001). Compared to hs-cTnT alone, no increase in the C-statistics was noted for the combination of hs-cTnT with H-FABP (0.85; p = 0.43) or with us-copeptin (0.84; p = 0.88). Due to suboptimal sensitivities and/or specificities, neither H-FABP nor us-copeptin dichotomized at commonly applied diagnostic thresholds added information to hs-cTnT that would have facilitated early diagnostic assessment.Conclusions: Hs-cTnT provides an excellent early diagnostic accuracy regarding non-STEMI already on admission. Neither H-FABP nor us-copeptin perform better or provide diagnostic increment to hs-cTnT levels.
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34. |
- Eggers, Kai M., et al.
(author)
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Improving long-term risk prediction in patients with acute chest pain : The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score is enhanced by selected nonnecrosis biomarkers
- 2010
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In: American Heart Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-8703 .- 1097-6744. ; 160:1, s. 88-94
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score is widely recommended for risk assessment in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the utility of this score for long-term risk prediction in unselected patients with acute chest pain and whether it might be improved by the integration of nonnecrosis biomarkers. Methods We calculated the GRACE risk score in 453 chest pain patients and assessed its value for risk assessment together with the additive prognostic information obtained from N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), and cystatin C. Results After a median follow-up of 5.8 years, 92 patients (20.7%) had died. The GRACE risk score was significantly higher in patients who died (median 146 vs 93, P < .001) and provided a c-statistic regarding mortality of 0.78. A significant increase of the c-statistic was achieved only after addition of GDF-15 (c-statistic 0.81, P = .003) and, to a minor extent, after addition of cystatin C (c-statistic 0.81, P = .035). Assessment of the integrated discriminative improvement yielded similar results. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide had only limited incremental prognostic value, and C-reactive protein was not predictive for outcome. Conclusion The GRACE risk score allows for the prediction of mortality in chest pain patients even after almost 6 years of follow-up. However, its predictive value could be further enhanced by the addition of selected nonnecrosis biomarkers, in particular GDF-15 or cystatin C. (Am Heart J 2010; 160: 88-94.)
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35. |
- Eggers, Kai M., 1962-, et al.
(author)
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Myeloperoxidase is not useful for the early assessment of patients with chest pain
- 2010
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In: Clinical Biochemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-9120 .- 1873-2933. ; 43:3, s. 240-245
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been listed as a potentially useful risk marker in acute coronary syndrome. However, its clinical utility in patients with acute chest pain is not yet defined. DESIGN AND METHODS: MPO (Architect, Abbott Diagnostics) was measured in 120 healthy controls and 303 chest pain patients who had been admitted to the coronary care units of three Swedish hospitals. RESULTS: Chest pain patents had significantly higher median MPO levels compared to healthy controls (120.6 vs. 78. 9 pmol/L; p<0.001). However, MPO was not useful for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (c-statistics 0.61 [95% CI 0.54-0.67]), and Cox regression analysis revealed no independent association between MPO and mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.3 [95% CI 0.8-2.0]) or the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio 1.1 [95% CI 0.8-1.5]) after a median follow-up of 4.9 years. CONCLUSIONS: MPO provided no clinically relevant information in the present population of chest pain patients.
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36. |
- Eggers, Kai M., et al.
(author)
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Prognostic implications of changes in cardiac troponin I levels in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome
- 2013
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In: Biomarkers. - 1354-750X .- 1366-5804. ; 18:8, s. 668-672
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Information is limited on the prognostic implications of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) changes during the first days of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Methods: High-sensitivity cTnI levels were measured at study inclusion and after 48 h in 1615 conservatively managed NSTE-ACS patients from the Global Use of Strategies To Open Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) IV trial. Results: Patients with moderately increased cTnI levels and without a relevant decrease over time had a significantly raised mortality at 30 days and 1 year. No relevant associations between cTnI changes and recurrent myocardial infarction were seen. Conclusion: The cTnI change is predictive for subsequent mortality in selected conservatively managed NSTE-ACS patients.
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37. |
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38. |
- Flather, Marcus D., et al.
(author)
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Cluster-randomized trial to evaluate the effects of a quality improvement program on management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes : The European Quality Improvement Programme for Acute Coronary Syndromes (EQUIP-ACS)
- 2011
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In: American Heart Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-8703 .- 1097-6744. ; 162:4, s. 700-707.e1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Registries have shown that quality of care for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) often falls below the standards recommended in professional guidelines. Quality improvement (QI) is a strategy to improve standards of clinical care for patients, but the efficacy of QI for ACS has not been tested in randomized trials. Methods We undertook a prospective, cluster-randomized, multicenter, multinational study to evaluate the efficacy of a QI program for ACS. Participating centers collected data on consecutive admissions for non-ST-elevation ACS for 4 months before the QI intervention and 3 months after. Thirty-eight hospitals in France, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom were randomized to receive the QI program or not, 19 in each group. We measured 8 in-hospital quality indicators (risk stratification, coronary angiography, anticoagulation, beta-blockers, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and clopidogrel loading and maintenance) before and after the intervention and compared composite changes between the QI and non-QI groups. Results A total of 2604 patients were enrolled. The absolute overall change in use of quality indicators in the QI group was 8.5% compared with 0.8% in the non-QI group (odds ratio for achieving a quality indicator in QI versus non-QI 1.66, 95% CI 1.43-1.94; P < .001). The main changes were observed in the use of risk stratification and clopidogrel loading dose. Conclusions The QI strategy resulted in a significant improvement in the quality indicators measured. This type of QI intervention can lead to useful changes in health care practice for ACS in a wide range of settings.
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39. |
- Flather, Marcus D., et al.
(author)
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Improving the management of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes : systematic evaluation of a quality improvement programme European QUality Improvement Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome: The EQUIP-ACS project protocol and design
- 2010
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In: Trials. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6215. ; 11, s. 5-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Acute coronary syndromes, including myocardial infarction and unstable angina, are important causes of premature mortality, morbidity and hospital admissions. Acute coronary syndromes consume large amounts of health care resources, and have a major negative economic and social impact through days lost at work, support for disability, and coping with the psychological consequences of illness. Several registries have shown that evidence based treatments are under-utilised in this patient population, particularly in high-risk patients. There is evidence that systematic educational programmes can lead to improvement in the management of these patients. Since application of the results of important clinical trials and expert clinical guidelines into clinical practice leads to improved patient care and outcomes, we propose to test a quality improvement programme in a general group of hospitals in Europe. Methods/Design: This will be a multi-centre cluster-randomised study in 5 European countries: France, Spain, Poland, Italy and the UK. Thirty eight hospitals will be randomised to receive a quality improvement programme or no quality improvement programme. Centres will enter data for all eligible non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to their hospital for a period of approximately 10 months onto the study database and the sample size is estimated at 2,000-4,000 patients. The primary outcome is a composite of eight measures to assess aggregate potential for improvement in the management and treatment of this patient population (risk stratification, early coronary angiography, anticoagulation, beta-blockers, statins, ACE-inhibitors, clopidogrel as a loading dose and at discharge). After the quality improvement programme, each of the eight measures will be compared between the two groups, correcting for cluster effect. Discussion: If we can demonstrate important improvements in the quality of patient care as a result of a quality improvement programme, this could lead to a greater acceptance that such programmes should be incorporated into routine health training for health professionals and hospital managers.
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40. |
- Grip, Lars, 1952, et al.
(author)
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From European to National guidelines on heart disease
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 45:1, s. 3-13
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background/aims. Guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology are important tools for defining and establishing current standards of care for various heart diseases. The aim of the present paper is to describe the process of how these international guidelines may be transformed and implemented at a national level in Sweden. Methods/results. The structure and process behind the national guidelines for heart diseases in Sweden and their relationship to the underlying European guidelines are described and differences between the national and European levels highlighted. We also give examples of how the scientific values of health care measures are weighted against health economic perspectives and integrated in a prioritization process. Compared to the European guidelines, the Swedish national guidelines have a broader economic perspective and aim to ensure that health care is cost effective and provided to all Swedish citizens on equal terms. Discussion. When certain health care measures are implemented, the national process can result in other priorities than could be expected from the European guidelines alone. On the other hand, a forceful implementation may be facilitated by the societal context in which these national guidelines are produced.
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41. |
- Hambræus, Kristina, 1970-
(author)
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From Stenting to Preventing : Invasive and Long-term Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease in Sweden
- 2014
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Treatment with coronary interventions, long-term treatment and life style changes can reduce symptoms and improve prognosis. The aim of this thesis was to investigate aspects of invasive treatment for multivessel coronary artery disease, and to investigate adherence to prevention guidelines one year after myocardial infarction. We used the national quality registry SWEDEHEART to collect data on long term treatment one year after myocardial infarction for 51 620 patients < 75 years of age. For 17 236 of the patients, we collected LDL-cholesterol measurements from SWEDEHEART and defined use of lipid lowering drugs from the Prescribed Drug Register. We developed a questionnaire for post-PCI-patients to investigate patients’ understanding of cause and treatment of coronary artery disease. For 23 342 PCI-patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, SWEDEHEART-data was linked to Swedish health data registries to determine one year outcome for patients undergoing incomplete vs. complete revascularization. Lipid control (LDL-cholesterol < 1.8 mmol/L) was attained by one in four patients one year after myocardial infarction, whereas blood pressure control (< 140 mmHg) was attained by two thirds of patients. Lipid and blood pressure control was lower for women but there was no gender difference in smoking cessation rate: 56 %. Over 90 % of patients were treated with a statin after myocardial infarction but treatment was intensified for only one in five patients with LDL-cholesterol above target.The questionnaire study revealed that non-modifiable factors such as age and heredity were more often seen as cause of coronary artery disease than modifiable life style factors. Only one in five patients perceived CAD as a chronic illness, requiring life style changes.Two thirds of PCI-patients with multivessel disease underwent incomplete revascularisation, and this was associated with a twofold risk for the combination of death, myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization up to one year, compared to patients who underwent complete revascularization.We conclude that long term treatment after myocardial infarction is suboptimal in relation to guideline recommendations. Assessment of patients’ views on CAD and better health education post PCI may facilitate life style changes. Further studies need to investigate whether complete revascularization will improve outcome for PCI-patients with multivessel disease.
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42. |
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43. |
- Hambraeus, Kristina, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Target-Attainment Rates of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Using Lipid-Lowering Drugs One Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Sweden
- 2014
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In: American Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-1913 .- 0002-9149. ; 113:1, s. 17-22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this prospective cohort study was to describe real-life use of lipid-lowering drugs and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target-attainment rates 1 year after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). LDL-C was recorded at hospital admission for AMI and at follow-up at 2 and 12 months after AMI in 17,236 patients in the Swedish heart registry, SWEDEHEART, from 2004 through 2009. Lipid-lowering treatments were identified using the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. More than 90% of patients received statins after ANT. Simvastatin <= 40 mg was used by 80% of patients at discharge and at 2 months and 68% at 1 year after AMI. Intensive statin therapy (LDL-C-lowering capacity >40%) was prescribed for 8.4%, 11.9%, and 12.2% at these time points, and combinations of statin/ezetimibe for 1.1%, 2.8%, and 5.0%, respectively. The LDL-C target of <2.5 mmol/L (97 mg/dl) was achieved in 74.5% of patients at 2 months and 72.3% at 12 months after AMI. Treatment was intensified for only 21.3% of patients with LDL-C above target at 2 months. In multivariate analysis, higher LDL-C levels at admission and at 2 months correlated to increased risk for under treatment at 12 months after AMI. In conclusion, statin treatment after AMI in Sweden has become standard, but titration to reach recommended LDL-C levels is still suboptimal. Strategies to further improve implementation of guidelines are needed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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44. |
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45. |
- Henriksson, Catrin, 1961-
(author)
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Coronary Heart Disease and Early Decision Making, from Symptoms to Seeking Care : Studies with Focus on Pre-hospital Delay in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
- 2011
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Despite several investigations and interventions aimed at decreasing the time from symptom onset to medical care seeking in acute myocardial infarction patients, the delay time is still too long for best treatment outcomes. In this thesis, investigations aimed at improving our understanding of the factors influencing delay time are evaluated, as well as attitudes to medical care seeking in patients, relatives and the general public. Additionally, an evaluation was performed to examine whether health-related quality of life had any influence on delay time and re-admissions. Participating patients, relatives and representatives of the general public were generally knowledgeable about acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its symptomatology. The majority of participants knew about the importance of receiving fast treatment when an AMI occurs. Despite people’s knowledge, several patients and relatives felt uncertain of symptom origin and how to act at symptom onset. Patients commonly consulted an additional person when symptoms did not disappear. However, people appeared to act more appropriately if someone else had chest pain compared to self-experienced symptoms. In patients who had suffered from more than one AMI, poor total health status increased the risk of delaying for more than two hours, but no independent association was found between total health status and re-admissions within the first year post-AMI.
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46. |
- Henriksson, Catrin, et al.
(author)
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Influence of health related quality of life on time from symptom onset to hospital arrival and the risk of readmission in patients with myocardial infarction
- 2014
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In: Open heart. - : BMJ. - 2053-3624. ; 1:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Despite increased awareness of the importance of early treatment in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the delay from symptom onset to hospital arrival is still too long and rehospitalisations are frequent. Little is known about how health-related quality of life (HRQL) affects delay time and the frequency of readmissions. METHOD: We used quality registers to investigate whether patients' HRQL has any impact on delay time with a new AMI, and on the rate of readmissions during the first year. Patients with AMI <75 years, with HRQL assessed with EQ-5D at 1-year follow-up, and who thereafter had a new AMI registered, were evaluated for the correlation between HRQL and delay time (n=454). The association between HRQL and readmissions was evaluated among those who had an additional AMI and a new 1-year follow-up registration (n=216). RESULTS: Patients who reported poor total health status (EQ-VAS ≤50), compared to those who reported EQ-VAS 81-100, had tripled risk to delay ≥2 h from symptom onset to hospital arrival (adjusted OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.43 to 6.34). Patients scoring EQ-VAS ≤50 had also a higher risk of readmissions in the univariate analysis (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.71 to 5.53). However, the correlation did not remain significant after adjustment (OR 1.99, 95% CI 0.90 to 4.38). EQ-index was not independently associated with delay time or readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Aspects of total health status post-AMI were independently associated with delay time to hospital arrival in case of a new AMI. However, the influence of total health status on the risk of readmissions was less clear.
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47. |
- Henriksson, Catrin, et al.
(author)
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Knowledge about Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and attitudes to medical care seeking : a comparison between patients and the general public
- 2012
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In: Open Journal of Nursing. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 2162-5336 .- 2162-5344. ; 2:4, s. 372-378
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Patients with acute myocardial infarction often have long decision times before seeking medical care. The decision time is influenced by knowledge of AMI-symptoms, psychological factors and the response of people near the patient to the symptoms.Aim:To investigate and compare the knowledge of AMI, intended actions in response to AMI-symptoms and attitudes toward seeking medical care of patients and the general public. Method: This was a multicentre study with descriptive and comparative design, using questionnaires as an instrument. The population consisted of AMI-patients and representatives of the general public.Results: There was good knowledge about typical AMI-symptoms among the participants. The majority thought an AMI always starts suddenly. Patients did not know more about the time-dependency of treatment outcome than the general public. A greater proportion of the general public would contact an additional person before consulting medical professionals.Conclusions: Patients had no better knowledge about AMI than the general public, but would more commonly act appropriately in case of AMI-symptoms.
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48. |
- Henriksson, Catrin, et al.
(author)
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Knowledge and attitudes toward seeking medical care for AMI-symptoms
- 2011
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 147:2, s. 224-227
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Time is crucial when an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs, but patients often wait before seeking medical care. Aim: To investigate and compare patients' and relatives' knowledge of AMI, attitudes toward seeking medical care, and intended behaviour if AMI-symptoms occur. Methods: The present study was a descriptive, multicentre study. Participants were AMI-patients <= 75 years (n = 364) and relatives to AMI-patients (n = 319). Questionnaires were used to explore the participants' knowledge of AMI and attitudes toward seeking medical care. Results: Both patients and relatives appeared to act more appropriate to someone else's chest pain than to their own. Patients did not have better knowledge of AMI-symptoms than relatives. Women would more often contact someone else before seeking medical care. A greater percentage of elderly (65-75 years), compared to younger individuals, reported that they would call for an ambulance if chest pain occurred. Conclusions: There were only minor differences between patients and relatives, regarding both knowledge and attitudes. It seems easier to act correctly as a bystander than as a patient. Therefore, in order to decrease patients' delay time it is important to educate relatives as well as patients on how to respond to symptoms of an AMI.
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49. |
- Herlitz, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Factors of importance for patients' decision time in acute coronary syndrome
- 2010
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 141:3, s. 236-242
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Not much is known about the patients' decision time in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of the survey was therefore to describe patients' decision time and factors associated with this parameter in ACS. METHODS: We conducted a national survey comprising intensive cardiac care units at 11 hospitals in Sweden in which patients with ACS diagnosis and symptoms onset outside hospital participated. Main outcome measures were patients' decision time and factors associated with patients' decision time. RESULTS: In all, 1939 patients took part in the survey. The major factors associated with a shorter patient decision time were: 1) ST-elevation ACS, 2) associated symptoms such as vertigo or near syncope, 3) interpreting the symptoms as cardiac in origin, 4) pain appearing suddenly and reaching a maximum within minutes, 5) having knowledge of the importance of quickly seeking medical care and 6) experiencing the symptoms as frightening. The following aspects of the disease were associated with a longer decision time: 1) pain was localised in the back and 2) symptom onset at home when alone. CONCLUSION: A number of factors, including the type of ACS, the type and localisation of symptoms, the place where symptoms occurred, patients' interpretation of symptoms and knowledge were all associated with patients' decision time in connection with ACS.
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50. |
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