The following is a summary of “Effectiveness of acute myocardial infarction interventions on selected outcomes among community dwelling-older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in the October 2023 issue of Cardiology by Banharak et al. 

Older adults are a high-risk group for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and their treatment delays lead to higher mortality rates. Their unique characteristics and limitations make it important to develop innovative interventions that promote on-time treatment.

Researchers performed a retrospective study to evaluate the effects of interventions on knowledge, belief, decision-making, 911 calls, and mortality in older adults with AMI.

The study was initiated by searching twelve databases without time constraints. Two investigators independently assessed the articles, with a third reviewer serving as an arbitrator in cases of disagreement. Data extraction and the categorization of interventions followed, and intervention details were summarized descriptively. Ultimately, selected outcomes were subjected to meta-analysis, utilizing fixed and random-effects models. The final review comprised eleven articles, with interventions grouped into eight categories that were direct mail, community-based, multi-group health education, innovative methods, tailored education, structured education, memory and concern-focused interventions, and nurse-based case management.

The study’s meta-analysis revealed that only innovative methods significantly increased the odds of individuals calling 911 and taking aspirin (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.01-6.44). No statistically significant differences were observed in the time to first unplanned readmission or death and the time delay to the emergency room.

The study found that tailored interventions are needed to improve AMI outcomes in older adults.

Source: nature.com/articles/s41598-023-45695-y