Acute coronary syndrome: factors affecting time to arrival in a diverse urban setting.

This study seeks to better understand how individuals of different cultural/ethnic backgrounds in an urban setting assess the signs and symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and the ensuing decision to take urgent action. Few studies exist which examine these differences and enhance understanding of how to address these differences and, ultimately, reduce morbidity and mortality from ACS. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of urban patients of different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds regarding their actions upon recognition of ACS signs and symptoms. Patients (423) with presumed or diagnosed ACS were interviewed within 12 h of arrival at the urban emergency rooms. Among the different cultural groups, Haitians delayed the longest (median) from symptom onset to hospital arrival (8.24 h), followed by Caribbeans (7.83 h), African Americans (6.62 h) and Hispanics (6.00 h). Although these delay intervals were not statistically significant across groups, each racial/ethnic group sought care well beyond the recommended time period of 3 h after initial recognition of ACS signs and symptoms. Among all the cultural groups, the two key factors motivating early arrival were being employed and taking positive actions. ACS symptom perception by different cultural groups appears to play an important role in the decision to seek emergency treatment. This is an area that has not been widely studied among or within different cultural/ethnic groups. As such, further research is needed to delineate these concepts and actions and to provide opportunities for appropriate education.