Patterns of Emergency Care for Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome Among Patients with Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath at a Tanzanian Referral Hospital

Abstract

Many patients with ACS risk factors present to the emergency department of a Tanzanian referral hospital with possible ACS symptoms, but marked delays in care-seeking are common. Complete diagnostic workups for ACS are uncommon, ACS is rarely diagnosed or treated with evidence-based therapies, and mortality in patients with these symptoms is high. Physician practices may be contributing to ACS under-detection in Tanzania, and interventions are needed to improve ACS care.