EFFECT OF A 2-YEAR PUBLIC-EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON REDUCING RESPONSE-TIME OF PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION

Earlier application of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) improves efficacy.1-5 For maximal benefit, patients must recognize cardiac symptoms and seek care promptly. To determine whether a public education program would improve the public's ability to recognize symptoms of AMI and seek prompt medical attention, thereby reducing delay between onset of symptoms and hospital presentation, we evaluated emergency department records before and after a public education campaign. © 1991.