Survey on the Management of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Hospitals from Rural Areas of Rio Negro, Argentina

pp. 137-140

Abstract

Background: Information on the management of the ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) in rural areas of Argentina is scarce.

Objective: The aim of this study was to learn the availability and use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources for STEMI care in rural medical centers of Rio Negro province.

Methods: A structured, open-ended telephone survey was conducted to on-call doctors from the 8 hospitals of the Southern Line, all of them between levels of care 2 and 4 (without intensive care units).

Results: STEMI patients are attended by general practitioners, who -in half of the cases- have no specialists available to consult the ECG. In general, they do not have systematics or referral networks. Although referrals involve more than 2 hours, streptokinase is unavailable in most of the centers studied. Half of referrals are to cities that do not have interventional cardiology units for patients without medical coverage.

Conclusion: The organization and availability of resources for STEMI patients is scarce in rural areas of Rio Negro province.