Influence of transportation on outcome of acute myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT

Fifty cases of acute myocardial infarction were studied to ascertain the influence of transportation on development of complications and mortality after an acute attack. The patients admitted within 6hours [group A], between 6-24 hours [group B] and after 24 hours [group C] developed complications at the rate of 64.3%, 52.9% and 57.9% respectively. Thirty-one cases were transported using local vehicles and out of them 67.7% developed complications of which 22.6% died. Rate of complications [35.2%] and death [11.8%] in patients transported by automobile vehicles were less. The time consuming transportation and associated exertional journey by local vehicles appeared as contributory factor for development of complications and higher mortality. Special ambulance services, equipped with oxygen, emergency drugs and appliances [e.g. cardiac monitor, defibrillator etc.], medical personnel etc., should be made available for transportation of patients with severe chest pain suspected or diagnosed as acute myocardial infarction