Trends in referral patterns of coronary angiography

This study aimed to document the demographics and trends in referral patterns for coronary angiography in the setting of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. The study followed a convenient non-probability sampling design. A non-standardized questionnaire was administered and data analyzed. An exponential increase was noted in coronary angiography procedures from 2000 to 2006. We interviewed a total of 250 patients out of which 71.4% were males falling in the age group 50-59 years. Only a 3rd [30.8%] of patients were referred from their internist, however more than a 3rd [37.7%] came directly to the cardiologist. 47.7% of patients were from Punjab and 31.4% were from Federal capital. Half of the well-educated patients [50.0%] were well aware of the purpose and side effects of coronary angiography in contrast to only 4.8% of the un educated patients. But more than a 3rd of well-educated patients [40.4%] were not well aware or were unaware [17%] of the exact method for the procedure and its possible side effects despite signing and informed consent. Diagnostic coronary angiography is rapidly increasing in most tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan and in more than one third of the patients, direct self-referral was the predominant means of referral. In addition, the level of awareness about the purpose and side effect profile of the procedure was directly proportional to the level of education.