The pivotal role of cardiac self-care in treatment timing.

In Western nations, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability, and myocardial infarction (MI or heart attack) is responsible for the most significant proportion of these deaths. Over the past decades, however, mortality rates from CVD in general and MI specifically have been decreasing due in large part to the proliferation of time-dependent therapies. As their description suggests, the use of such effective therapies is associated with early hospital presentation, thus reducing treatment time has significant benefits.

Lay referral patterns involved in cardiac treatment decision making among middle-aged and older adults.

Purpose: This study examined age and contextually related factors that are influential in lay referral patterns during cardiac treatment decision making.

Design And Methods: A complementary design was used. The Myocardial Infarction (MI) Onset Study identified demographic correlates of who sought medical care for 1,388 MI (heart attack) survivors.