Consequences of pre-hospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A literature review

 The aim of this review study was to explain the consequences of pre-hospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

 Studies have shown that patients with acute myocardial infarction who refer to medical centers late, experience adverse mechanical and electrical consequences of acute myocardial infarction.

 In this review study, the keywords Outcome, Myocardial infarction, Delay, and Survival were used to search out the relevant papers published between 2000 and 2020, in databases, Up-to-date, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, SID, and Magiran. A total of 14 articles were reviewed.

 The review of the articles showed the consequences of pre-hospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction as the following: acute heart failure, cardiac arrest, stroke, mortality, decreased cardiac ejection fraction, long-term hospitalization, decreased long-term survival, increased in-hospital mortality, and increased treatment costs.

 Pre-hospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with complications and adverse consequences for patients. Health care team should educate patients and their families about the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease and the importance of timely treatment.