Repatriation to referral hospital after reperfusion of STEMI patients transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights of a Canadian regional STEMI care system.

Background: In regional systems of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care, patients presenting to hospitals without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are transferred to PCI-capable hospitals for primary PCI. Repatriation, a practice whereby such patients are transferred back to non-PCI referral hospitals after reperfusion is prevalent in many jurisdictions, yet little is known of this practice and its safety.

Methods: We studied 979 consecutive STEMI patients transported from the emergency department and catchment area of two non-PCI hospitals in Ontario, Canada to a regional PCI-hospital for primary PCI between January 2008 and June 2014.

Relation between hemoglobin level and recurrent myocardial ischemia in acute coronary syndromes detected by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring.

Anemia has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms have not been well elucidated. We sought to determine the independent relation between the hemoglobin level and recurrent ischemia in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS using continuous electrocardiographic monitoring.

Evaluation of a community-based inner-city disease management program for postmyocardial infarction patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Disease management programs (DMPs) that use multidisciplinary teams and specialized clinics reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life and functional status. Evaluations of cardiac DMPs delivered by home health nurses are required.

Methods: Between August 1999 and August 2000 we identified consecutive patients admitted to hospital with elevated cardiac enzymes.