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Report on heart attack management in the NHS

22 August 2007

Links:

NHS ucl.ac.uk/nicor/audits/minap" target="_self">Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project (MINAP)
  • UCL Surgery
  • The Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project (MINAP), managed by Lynne Walker, UCL Surgery, has issued a report stating that treatment of heart attacks in the UK has improved during the past 12 months.

    The report, 'How the NHS manages heart attacks', found that the mortality rate for heart attack patients has fallen over the last three years. More patients than last year receive thrombolytic drugs, which dissolve blood clots, within 60 minutes of calling for professional help, and more thrombylotic treatment is being given by paramedics before patients reach hospital. In addition, the number of emergency patients treated with primary angioplasty has almost doubled in the past year to 3,192.

    The study found that, after treatment, the prescription of secondary prevention medication has been consistently above national targets, with more than nine out of ten patients prescribed beta-blockers, aspirin or statins. For heart patients generally, the numbers of cardiologists and specialty registrars and nurses have gone up greatly since 2000. Today, more than half of all heart attack patients are managed under the care of a cardiologist, compared with a quarter in 2000 - which has improved outcomes.

    However, the report also points out a disparity between services in England and Wales in some areas, and concludes that the greatest potential for improvements in the treatment of heart attack patients is in Wales.

    To find out more, and to read the full report, follow the links at the top of this article.

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