The Particulars: Current guidelines recommend that regional systems be implemented to optimize reperfusion for patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This treatment, however, is often delayed or not provided. A comprehensive systems-of-care program may improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with STEMI.
Data Breakdown: The American Heart Association recently launched “Mission: Lifeline,” a national STEMI systems-of-care program that defines and promotes ideal elements for regional STEMI care. Among patients registered with the program, several domains improved significantly between 2008 and 2012, including:
- Primary PCI and pre-hospital ECG use.
- Time from first medical contact.
- Time from first door to primary PCI.
During the study period, the rate of eligible patients who were not reperfused decreased by half. Mortality also decreased over time.
Take Home Pearls: The AHA’s “Mission: Lifeline” STEMI systems-of-care program appears to significantly improve QOL in STEMI patients. The initiative also appears to increase the use of reperfusion.
