Symptom clusters in acute myocardial infarction: A secondary data analysis

Catherine J. Ryan, Holli A. Devon, Rob Horne, Kathleen B. King, Kerry Milner, Debra K. Moser, Jill R. Quinn, Anne Rosenfeld, Seon Young Hwang, Julie J. Zerwic

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

70 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Early recognition of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms and reduced time to treatment may reduce morbidity and mortality. People having AMI experience a constellation of symptoms, but the common constellations or clusters of symptoms have yet to be identified. OBJECTIVES:: To identify clusters of symptoms that represent AMI. METHODS:: This was a secondary data analysis of nine descriptive, cross-sectional studies that included data from 1,073 people having AMI in the United States and England. Data were analyzed using latent class cluster analysis, an atheoretical method that uses only information contained in the data. RESULTS:: Five distinct clusters of symptoms were identified. Age, race, and sex were statistically significant in predicting cluster membership. None of the symptom clusters described in this analysis included all of the symptoms that are considered typical. In one cluster, subjects had only a moderate to low probability of experiencing any of the symptoms analyzed. DISCUSSION:: Symptoms of AMI occur in clusters, and these clusters vary among persons. None of the clusters identified in this study included all of the symptoms that are included typically as symptoms of AMI (chest discomfort, diaphoresis, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness). These AMI symptom clusters must be communicated clearly to the public in a way that will assist them in assessing their symptoms more efficiently and will guide their treatment-seeking behavior. Symptom clusters for AMI must also be communicated to the professional community in a way that will facilitate assessment and rapid intervention for AMI.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-81
Number of pages10
JournalNursing Research
Volume56
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Nursing ResearchP30NR009014

    Keywords

    • Acute myocardial infarction
    • Latent class cluster analysis
    • Symptoms

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Nursing

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Symptom clusters in acute myocardial infarction: A secondary data analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this