Prodromal symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome acute symptom presentation

Objective:Prodromal symptoms (PS), indicative of myocardial ischemia, are frequently unrecognized by individuals prior to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACSs are the leading cause of death worldwide. This study describes (1) the prevalence and association of PS with patients’ baseline ACS-related acute symptoms of pain intensity and state anxiety and (2) the relationship of PS to co-morbidity.Methods:An exploratory sub-analysis was performed. Cross sectional data identified prodromal predictors of ACS pain intensity (numeric rating scale 0–10 (NRS)) and state anxiety (Speilberger state-trait anxiety personality inventory (STAI)). ACS patients (n=121) admitted to a community rural emergency department completed the prodromal symptom screening scale (PS-SS) and reported baseline cardiac pain intensity, state, and trait anxiety.Results:Increased ACS pain intensity was associated with PS. Median pain scores were higher by two points for those with prodromal headache, p=0.006, and anxiety, p=0.017, and one ...