Presentation and management of acute myocardial infarction in Irish hospitals: a national census

Abstract

This study demonstrates significant achievements by Irish cardiology services over the past decade. On the best available' evidence from the 1980s, time to treatment for AMI appears to have reduced substantially over the past 10 years in Ireland. The proportion, of patients receiving thrombolysis has also increased considerably (by 66%) over the two 'year period 1992-1994. Tune to treatment within hospitals is similar to that documented at international centres where thrombolysis is also delivered in the specialist (intensive care or coronary care) setting. It is however longer than the target aspired to in recent international recommendations. Changes in the location for thrombolysis administration may be needed if further improvements are to be made in this area. TIlis study documents significant achievements in the management of AMI in Ireland in the last decade and provides an evidence base from which to plan for further improvements in AMI management in Ireland into the next decades.