Study on Heart Attack Treatment Delays in Men and Women

Overview of the Research

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care investigated whether the delays between the onset of heart attack symptoms and subsequent treatment have decreased for both women and men. Coronary heart disease, commonly referred to as ischaemic heart disease, remains a leading cause of death for both genders. Despite this, many people mistakenly believe that heart attacks predominantly affect men.

Gender Differences in Heart Attack Incidence

Research indicates that women typically experience heart attacks approximately eight to ten years later than men, and their symptoms may differ. It is crucial to recognize that women benefit from early intervention just as much as men do. The study specifically examined a cohort of 4,360 patients, including 967 women and 3,393 men, all of whom suffered from acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the most severe type of heart attack, characterized by a complete blockage of a blood vessel.

Patient and System Delays Analyzed

The researchers focused on two types of delays: patient delay, which is the time taken from the onset of symptoms to seeking medical help, and system delay, which is the time taken to reopen the blocked blood vessel. They also assessed in-hospital mortality rates.

Findings on Gender-Specific Delays

Dr. Matthias Meyer, a cardiologist at Triemli Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, noted that women may hesitate to seek medical attention due to the misconception that heart attacks primarily affect men and are characterized solely by chest pain and pain in the left arm. He emphasized that while both genders often experience similar pain levels during a heart attack, the location of the pain can differ. Women frequently report pain in the back, shoulder, or stomach.

The restoration of blood flow through the use of a stent is critical during a heart attack, with faster intervention correlating with better patient outcomes. Over the past 15 years, various initiatives have aimed to reduce the time delays between symptom onset and treatment. This study aimed to determine whether these delays have indeed reduced for both genders.

Results of the Study

The findings revealed that from 2000 to 2016, both men and women experienced equivalent reductions in system delays. Dr. Meyer remarked, “We found no gender difference in the timely delivery of care by health professionals, with both men and women receiving a stent more quickly after contacting medical services than in the past.”

However, patient delay saw a slight decrease for men during this timeframe, whereas no improvements were noted for women, who on average waited 37 minutes longer than men to seek medical help. Persistent chest pain was associated with shorter patient delays in men but not in women, suggesting that women may be less likely to recognize their symptoms as requiring urgent care.

In-Hospital Mortality Rates

The study also highlighted that in-hospital mortality was higher among women (5.9%) compared to men (4.5%) during the studied period.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In conclusion, Dr. Meyer emphasized the importance of prompt medical attention during a heart attack, stating, “Every minute counts when you have a heart attack. Look out for moderate to severe discomfort including pain in the chest, throat, neck, back, stomach, or shoulders that lasts for more than 15 minutes. It is often accompanied by nausea, cold sweat, weakness, shortness of breath, or fear.”

References

– Antipolis, S. 2018. EurekaAlert. [Online]. [7 January 2019]. Available from: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/esoc-wha120618.php
– Meyer, M.R et al. Gender differences in patient and system delay for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: current trends in a Swiss ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction population. 2018. European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care. [Online]. [7 January 2019].