In Iraqi MI patients, 60.7% presented >12 hours after symptom onset, with delayed presentation significantly associated with age ≥55 (OR 2.59), diabetes (OR 2.42), dyslipidemia (OR 2.49), and nighttime symptom onset (OR 2.50).
Cross-Sectional (n=150)
No
Over 60% of Iraqi patients with myocardial infarction present late (>12 hours), with delays significantly associated with older age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and nighttime symptom onset.
Effect estimate: OR 2.59 for age ≥55; OR 2.42 for diabetes mellitus; OR 2.49 for dyslipidemia; OR 2.50 for nighttime symptom onset (95% CI 1.24-5.40 for age; 1.17-5.01 for diabetes; 1.24-5.01 for dyslipidemia; 1.28-4.91 for nighttime onset)
Absolute Event Rate: 60.7% vs 39.3%
p-value: p=0.014 for age; 0.025 for diabetes; 0.013 for dyslipidemia; 0.008 for nighttime onset
Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by myocardial necrosis due to acute coronary artery obstruction. Early hospital presentation optimizes reperfusion therapy and reduces complications, yet delays persist, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Iraq. Patients and methods This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq, from April to October 2025 and included 150 adult patients with acute MI presenting to the emergency department. Data from medical records assessed demographics, clinical factors, and presentation timing (delayed if >12 hours’ post-symptom onset). Fisher's exact test identified associations (p12 hours). Delayed presentation was significantly associated with older age (≥55 years; p=0.014, OR=2.59, 95% CI=1.24-5.40), diabetes mellitus (p=0.025, OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.17-5.01), dyslipidemia (p=0.013, OR=2.49, 95% CI=1.24-5.01), and nighttime symptom onset (12 AM-8 AM; p=0.008, OR=2.50, 95% CI=1.28-4.91). No significant associations emerged for gender (p=0.735), BMI (p=0.464), education (p=0.664), residency (p=0.729), hypertension (p=0.467), family history (p=0.650), or prior percutaneous coronary intervention (p=0.721). Conclusion Over 60% of Iraqi MI patients presented later than 12 hours after symptom onset, with delayed presentation linked to older age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and nighttime onset. Addressing these via targeted education could enhance outcomes.
Jaafar et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Adult patients (≥18 years) with acute myocardial infarction presenting to emergency department in Baghdad, Iraq (n=150). In Iraqi MI patients, 60.7% presented >12 hours after symptom onset, with delayed presentation significantly associated with age ≥55 (OR 2.59), diabetes (OR 2.42), dyslipidemia (OR 2.49), and nighttime symptom onset (OR 2.50).