The Importance of the Prehospital Phase in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Notwithstanding the decline which has been observed in recent years, circulatory diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in Brazil. In spite of recent advances in clinical and interventional treatment,^, ischemic heart disease (IHD) was responsible for 116,333 deaths in 2016, of which 80% were due to acute manifestations, principally in the form of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

In treating AMI patients, especially those with ST-segment elevation, the pre-hospital phase of care plays a crucial role in short- and long-term prognosis. Two data related to this phase deserve our attention. First, we may observe delays in reaching healthcare services. In 80% of cases, these delays last for more than two hours starting from the moment symptoms begin to manifest.^, Second, it stands out that 50% of deaths resulting from AMI were recorded precisely during the pre-hospital phase.^,

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