The Particulars: Little is known about trends on cardiac catheterizations and inpatient mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the general population and how this compares with psychiatric patients.
Data Breakdown: Researchers analyzed 10 years of national data for a study to compare adult psychiatric patients who had an AMI with the general population who had an AMI. The AMI rate increased significantly in psychiatric patients during the study period, whereas fewer AMIs were seen in the general population. Psychiatric patients were significantly less likely to undergo catheterization during an AMI when compared with the general population. When compared with the general population, inpatient mortality rates were 20% to 50% higher for patients with schizophrenia, 20% lower for those with bipolar or depressive disorders, and 30% lower for those with anxiety disorders.
Take Home Pearls: Psychiatric patients appear to be significantly less likely to undergo catheterization following AMI when compared with the general population. Inpatient mortality rates for psychiatric patients who have an AMI ranged from significantly lower to significantly higher depending on the specific disorder.
