Psychological factors associated with delay in attending hospital following a myocardial infarction

Objective: There is wide variability in latency to attend hospital followin g a myocardial infarction (MI). The present study assessed possible psychol ogical factors that may be implicated in delayed presentation Method: Seven ty-two patients who had experienced a confirmed NU were interviewed in hosp ital, 3-5 days post-ML They completed a series of psychological measures of cardiac denial, cardiac threat, alexithymia, health locus of control, neur oticism and mood. Results: Those patients who believed that they were havin g a heart attack sought help quicker than those who did not, and those who waited over 4 hours prior to seeking medical help had significantly lower s cores on neuroticism, and higher scores on denial and health locus of contr ol (chance). Confirmatory multiple regression analysis using an alternative estimate of delay in seeking help confirmed that health locus of control ( chance) was the best predictor of delayed attendance. Conclusion: The prese nt study confirms that the belief that one is having a MI is associated wit h prompt attendance, and additionally that the belief that health outcomes are largely due to chance factors is associated with delayed presentation f ollowing a NH. This delay could prove fatal. Modification of such beliefs m ay reduce response times and, thus, increase survival rates. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science Inc. All tights reserved.