Authors

José Manuel Roldán-Ortega1, Sergio R. López-Alonso1,2, Pedro J. Milla-Ortega3, Carlos Castillo-Oller4, Jesús Molina-Mula5.

Position

1 Enfermero, MSc. Atención Primaria Distrito Sanitario Málaga-Guadalhorce. 2 Enfermero, PhD. Centro Universitario de Enfermería San Juan de Dios Universidad de Sevilla. 3 Enfermero, MSc. Servicio de Urgencias de Atención Primaria. Distrito Sanitario Granada. Servicio Andaluz     de Salud. 4 Enfermero, MsC. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Hospital Son Espases. Servicio de Salud de les Illes Balears. 5 Enfermero, PhD. Profesor del Departamento de Enfermería y Fisioterapia. Universitat de les Illes Balears.

Contact address

José Manuel Roldán Ortega. Distrito Sanitario Málaga-Guadalhorce. C/ Sevilla, 23. Málaga 29009

Contact email: jomaro1980@hotmail.com

Abstract

  Introduction. Acute Coronary Syndrome may have different clinical presentations, therefore, prioritizing patients during triage may be complex. The objective of this study is to identify clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndrome presenting to hospital emergency services in order to optimize triage.

Method. Multicentre prospective descriptive observational study where a total of 388 consecutive patients were evaluated. Patients with non-traumatic chest pain and patients with no chest pain but suffering atypical symptoms compatible with acute coronary syndrome, such as dyspnoea, diaphoresis, syncope, weakness, dizziness and palpitations, accompanied or not by cardiovascular risk factors, were included. The information was collected by filling in a case report form, with follow-up from the time that triage nurses confirmed their inclusion in the study until the medical diagnosis in the emergency room was established.
Outcome. A total of 56 cases of acute coronary syndrome were identified. The predictive characteristics of patients with typical chest pain were men aged between 46-65 years, diabetics, with central chest pain with oppressive characteristics, radiating to the neck-jaw and precipitated by effort. Patients with atypical chest pain were >65 years of age, regardless of sex, with laterally located pain, irradiating to the neck-jaw/shoulder–left arm and accompanied by arterial hypertension.
Conclusions. The determination of the clinical and sociodemographic profile of patients with acute coronary syndrome presenting at emergency triage units of second or third level hospitals can help to improve early diagnosis and treatment, and consequently reduce morbidity and mortality.

Keywords:

acute coronary syndrome; angina unstable; myocardial infarction; triage; emergency nursing; emergency medical services

Versión en Español

Título:

Perfil clínico y sociodemográfico de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo en el triaje enfermero

Bibliography