Short and long-term prognosis following acute myocardial infarction according to the country of origin. Soroka acute myocardial infarction II (SAMI II) project

Background: Reports from many countries have shown birthplace-associated disparities in the incidence and mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aims of the study were to identify and compare short- and long-term post-AMI mortality according to birthplace. Methods: A retrospective analysis of Israeli AMI patients from a tertiary medical center in Southern Israel throughout 2002–2012. Data source: the hospital's computerized systems. Patients were classified according to the country of birth (Israel, Southern Europe/Balkans, Northern Africa, Eastern/Central Europe, India/Pakistan, Middle-East, Yemen, and Ethiopia). Study outcomes: in-hospital and up to 10-years post-discharge all-cause mortality. Results: The study included 11,143 patients, age 67.4 ± 13.9 and 67.5% men. Israeli-born patients were significantly younger, with lower rate of diabetes mellitus and hypertension but significantly higher rate of obesity, smoking, history of coronary artery disease and male sex compared with immigrants. The rate of STEMI and administration of percutaneous coronary revascularization was higher, yet extent of coronary findings and severe left ventricular dysfunction was lower in Israeli-born patients. In-hospital as well as post-discharge 1-and 10-year mortality rates were approximately 65% lower in Israeli-born patients compared with immigrants. Following adjustment for potential confounders the inequalities in post-discharge mortality attenuated (Yemen OR = 2.3 [95%CI: 1.4–3.6], Southern Europe/Balkans 1.75 [1.2–2.5], Northern Africa 1.5 [1.3–1.8], Eastern/Central Europe 1.4 [1.2–1.7] and India/Pakistan 1.4 [1.1–1.9], for 10-years mortality, p < 0.05 for each) and those for in-hospital mortality disappeared. Conclusions: Immigrants are at increased risk for post-discharge, yet not in-hospital mortality following AMI. Appropriate targeted preventive programs are required for these groups of patients.