A cluster and inferential analysis of myocardial infarction symptom presentation by age

Background:Pre-hospital delay time in myocardial infarction is usually longer in older than in younger patients, with symptom presentation known to be a contributing factor.Aim:The aim of this article is to examine symptom presentation differences, by age, in patients with myocardial infarction.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study using secondary analysis of a multi-site randomised controlled trial on pre-hospital delay time. Data were analysed using logistic regression and factor analysis.Results:Post-myocardial infarction patients were recruited prior to discharge (n=1211), 54% were ≥65 years and 80% male. The average number of symptoms was three, with the ≥65 years age group reporting significantly less symptoms. Logistic regression controlling for gender, diabetes and diagnosis with 11 symptoms (χ2=52.09, p<0.001) was significant. Those ≥65 years had less chest symptoms, sweating, stomach upset and left arm pain, in addition to longer pre-hospital delay time. This group also had less symptom cluste...