ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME – ARE WE AWARE?

Despite the progress of medicine and the implementation of the latest treatment methods, the problemof Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and the patients’ knowledge of the factors favoring the emergence of thedisease, manifesting symptoms and providing first aid to a person with suspected myocardial infarction are still partof the discussion not only medical but also economic.The aim: Assessment of the state of knowledge of patients after cardiac surgery about acute coronary syndromes.Material and methods: The study evaluated the knowledge of patients after cardiac surgery about acute coronarysyndrome. Patients were treated at the Department of Cardiosurgery, University Hospital in Bialystok from January toMarch 2018. The study involved 60 patients after cardiac surgery, of which 43 were men and 17 were women (aged37 – 83 years). Own survey consisting of 10 single-choice closed questions and metrics has been used.Results: The respondents’ answers to the questions about risk factors for coronary artery disease were satisfactorydue to the fact that as many as 82% of the respondents indicated the proper reasons for the development of acutecoronary syndromes. The respondents had difficulties with questions regarding the provision of first aid in the event ofACS symptoms. When asked if they are willing to change their lifestyle to healthier and safer for their organism – 90%of respondents expressed a desire.Conclusions: The basis for forming patient awareness is a good knowledge of factors predisposing to the developmentof clinical disorders. It is proposed to create expert groups composed of cardiologists, diabetologists, hypertensiologists,psychologists, family doctors, dietitians and other physicians who may adapt the risk assessment tothe specificities of individual countries, gender, age and co-morbidities. It has been estimated for reducing mortalitythat 50% corresponds to good control of the most important risk factors, and the remaining 50% are appropriatepharmacotherapy.