The evolving knowledge about acute myocardial infarction.

Important advances in the knowledge of pathophysiology and management of ac ute myocardial infarction have occurred lately. The results of large strati fication tools, drugs and treatment strategies to clinical practice. As a r esult, a significant reduction in mortality has been achieved. However ther e is a great variation in the adoption of the new diagnostic and therapeuti c recommendations in different countries. In this issue of Revista Medica d e Chile, a registry of patients with acute myocardial infarction treated in Chile between 1993 and 1995, is reported. The mean age of patients (62 +/- 12 years old), the proportion of males (74%) and the prevalence of risk fa ctors is similar to that reported in series from developed countries. Simil arly, 33% of patients received thrombolytic therapy, and the pattern of dru g use was comparable. The 13.4% global mortality can be improved. An early consultation to health services when an acute myocardial infarction is susp ected should be encouraged in the population. Likewise, treatment norms for health institutions should be devised.