Prompt Help-Seeking in Men Experiencing Myocardial Infarction

Background Prehospital delay remains a major contributor to poor outcomes in myocardial infarction (MI), and treatment-seeking decision time (TSDT) constitutes a substantial portion of this interval. Previous research has focused primarily on prolonged treatment seeking, whereas less is known about prompt help-seeking. This study initially aimed to explore gendered dimensions of prompt help-seeking in MI; however, the analytic focus was refined to men's experiences because all patients referred to and enrolled by the research team during the recruitment period were men. Methods A qualitative study using interpretive description and thematic analysis was conducted at an acute cardiology unit in Vancouver, Canada. Eligible participants were adults with MI who sought treatment within 90 minutes of symptom onset, were hemodynamically stable, planned for discharge, and could complete an interview in English. Although eligibility was not restricted by gender, all participants meeting the prompt criterion were men. Nine men consented; one was excluded because of limited English proficiency, resulting in a final sample of eight men. Results Three themes described the men's prompt help-seeking experiences: (1) evaluating symptoms, (2) putting the pieces together, and (3) societal norms surrounding masculinity. Men described symptom intensity, persistence, and unfamiliarity as cues to urgent action, while prior knowledge, personal experience, bystander input, and masculinity-related norms shaped decision-making. Conclusions This study provides an initial understanding of prompt help-seeking among men with MI. Symptom appraisal, cognitive processing, and masculinity-related social norms may shape how some men decide to seek care quickly.