KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION ABOUT THE DISEASE, AMONG PATIENTS WITH MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess knowledge of patients with first ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), regarding their disease and recommended secondar y prevention. Methodology: Patients admitted with first STEMI were enrolled. Data was collected using structured questionnaire by principal investigator. Model was constructed to identify the determinants of knowledge and perception about various variables of disease. Results: Among 405 patients 105(25.9%) patients had lack of knowledge about the nature of their disease while 53.6% were unaware of the character of Ischemic chest discomfort. Eighty six percent were not sure about resuming their daily work. About two third of the patients were unaware of the use and side effects of medications for secondary prevention. Conclusion: Conclusion: Knowledge of patients with Myocardial infarction (MI), regarding their disease and its prevention, in a public hospital, is unsatisfactory. Our findings highlight need for standard cardiac rehabilitation for post MI patients. Conclusion: coronary artery disease, Hypertension, rheumatic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy are main etiological factors of ADHF. Infections, poor compliance to medications and arrhythmias are major precipitants for ADHF.