Reaction to a media campaign focusing on delay in acute myocardial infarction

Article Abstract:

In Sweden, ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death. It is estimated that each year 30,000 out of 8 million people in Sweden have a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The time period between the onset of symptoms (chest pain) and the development of myocardial infarction is critical to the recovery of the patient. The sooner the patient seeks medical care, the sooner treatment can be started, which can reduce the less severity of damage to the heart muscle. To increase public awareness of the need for rapid medical treatment for symptoms of myocardial infarction, a media campaign was launched in Goteborg, Sweden. Advertisements stating that people who experience chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes should call 90 000 for immediate ambulance transport to the hospital were publicized in the newspapers, on the radio, in hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, buses, banks, and post offices. Six months after the advertisement campaign was initiated, a random telephone survey of 400 people was conducted to determine the views of the general public. Sixty percent of those contacted had heard of the campaign and 15 percent remembered all parts of the message. After 12 months of campaigning, a random phone survey of 610 people revealed that 71 percent had heard of the campaign and 19 percent remembered the whole message. When all patients admitted to the coronary care units in two city hospitals were interviewed, 65 percent said that they were aware of the campaign and 31 percent said that they came to the hospital sooner because of the campaign message. It is concluded that the media campaign was successful in reaching many people in the community, including patients with ischemic heart disease. The public reaction to the campaign was positive. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Sweden, Prevention, Patient education, Cardiac arrest, Media programs, Media programs (Education)

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Shower versus sink bath: evaluation of heart rate, blood pressure and subjective response of the patient with myocardial infarction

Article Abstract:

Patients recovering from myocardial infarction (MI; heart attack) are permitted to gradually increase their level of activity. Patient activity performance is determined by assessing changes in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE); this measure is used to assist in deciding whether to increase or limit activity. Thirty low-risk MI patients were evaluated while bathing themselves on two consecutive days, between the second and ninth days after suffering an MI. Bathing by shower or sink bath with the patient in the sitting position produced elevations in the resting values of the variables studied (HR, BP and RPE). The subjects preferred showers to sink baths, and reported that both methods of bathing produced fatigue. When bathing factors such as patient position, water temperature, length of bath, and previous activities were controlled, differences between the two methods were negligible. Pacing the bathing process eased fatigue. These findings indicate that low-risk MI patients may choose either a sitting shower or a sitting sink bath. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Baths, Physiological aspects, Patients, Patient care

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