Medical history of coronary artery disease and time to electrocardiogram in the emergency department: a real-life, single-center, retrospective analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Timely acquisition of 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) in the emergency department (ED) is crucial and recommended by current guidelines. Objectives To evaluate the association of medical history of coronary artery disease (hCAD) on door-to-ECG time in the ED. Methods In this single center, retrospective cohort study, patients admitted to ED for cardiac evaluation were grouped according to hCAD and no hCAD. The primary outcome was door-to-ECG time. A multivariate analysis adjusted for the cofounders sex, age, type of referral and shift was performed to evaluate the association of hCAD with door-to-ECG time. Results 1101 patients were included in this analysis. 362 patients (33%) had hCAD. Patients with hCAD had shorter door-to-ECG time (20 min. [Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 13–30] vs. 22 min. [IQR 14–37]; p < 0.001) when compared to patients with no hCAD. In a multivariable regression analysis hCAD was significantly associated with a shorter door-to-ECG time (− 3 min [p = 0.007; 95% confidence Interval [CI] − 5.16 to − 0.84 min]). Conclusion In this single center registry, hCAD was associated with shorter door-to-ECG time. In patients presenting in ED for cardiac evaluation, timely ECG diagnostic should be facilitated irrespective of hCAD.