Reperfusion Therapy Optimization in Acute Myocardial Infarction with ST-Segment Elevation using WhatsApp®-Based Telemedicine.

Background: About 40% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Brazil do not receive reperfusion therapy.

Objective: The use of a telemedicine network based on WhatsApp® could increase the percentage of patients receiving reperfusion therapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed outcomes before and after the organization of a telemedicine network to send the electrocardiogram via WhatsApp® of patients suspected of STEMI from 25 municipalities that are members of the Regional Health Department of Ribeirão Preto (DRS-XIII) to a tertiary hospital, which could authorize immediate patient transfer using the same system.