A survey of physicians managing uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction found that 95% routinely hospitalized patients for 21 days, 97% restricted smoking, and 71% used anticoagulants.
Cross-Sectional (n=2,484)
In 1970, physicians across specialties demonstrated similar management practices for uncomplicated myocardial infarction, typically involving a 21-day hospital stay and high rates of smoking restriction and anticoagulant use.
A questionnaire on management of uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction patients was mailed to 1,200 general practitioners, 1,200 internists, and 1,200 cardiologists. The 69% who responded managed approximately 70,000 patients with acute myocardial infarction in 1970. General practitioners saw three-fifths of these patients. Of acute myocardial infarction patients, 45% were considered to have uncomplicated infarction. Most responses were similar for general practitioners, internists, and cardiologists, who routinely hospitalized 95% of uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction patients for a 21-day hospital stay. Of physicians, 97% restricted smoking, 77% restricted calories, and 71% used anticoagulants. Of patients under age 65, 87% returned to work two to four months after uncomplicated myocardial infarction.
Nanette K. Wenger (1973) conducted a cross-sectional in Uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (n=2,484). Management practices was evaluated on Management practices (hospitalization, smoking restriction, calorie restriction, anticoagulant use). A survey of physicians managing uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction found that 95% routinely hospitalized patients for 21 days, 97% restricted smoking, and 71% used anticoagulants.