Acute reperfusion for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in New Zealand (2015 2017): patient and system delay (ANZACS-QI 29)
Andrew J Kerr, Mildred Lee, Corina Grey, Tammy J Pegg, Nick G Fisher, Harvey H White, Chris M Nunn, Michael JA Williams, David Smyth, Tony Scott, Rachel X Chen, Jinfeng Zhao, Thu Rein Tun, Matire Harwood, Gerry P Devlin, on behalf of the ANZACS-QI investigators
Prompt access to cardiac defibrillation and reperfusion therapy improves outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which is the most serious type of acute heart attack. We have documented preventable delays in patients both calling for help and receiving timely treatment once they have made contact with the ambulance or hospital. Nationwide implementation of the NZ STEMI pathway is needed to reduce system delays in delivery of primary PCI, fibrinolysis and rescue PCI. Ongoing initiatives are required to reduce barriers to calling the ambulance early after symptom onset.