Age-associated time delays in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Multiple studies have shown that age is a significant factor associated with suboptimal treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We performed a retrospective pilot study using a chart review of patients who presented with AMI who were subsequently treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) from November 1995 to January 1997 at our institution. Ninety-four patients met inclusion criteria, with 5 excluded for insufficient data. Mean time for “door-to-balloon” in all patients was 118 ± 48 minutes. The mean patient age was 60 years. Mean times (minutes) for patients grouped by decades of life are as follows: 143 ± 59 (30-39 years), 114 ± 51 (40-49 years), 99 ± 41 (50-59 years), 116 ± 44 (60-69 years), 135 ± 47 (70-79 years), and 133 ± 133 (80 years and older). Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (P = 0.04). In this study, age was associated with treatment delays. There was a parabolic relationship of age with time, with a greater time delay occurring in “younger” and “older” patients.