Assessment of Quality of Care Provided for Patients Receiving Post-Myocardial Infarction Care at Selected Cardiac Clinics in Sulaymaniyah: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

According to global projections, by the year 2050, ischemic heart disease will remain the leading cause of cardiovascular deaths with hypertension as a leading modifiable risk factor for mortality. Improving quality care for patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with improved outcomes.

AIMS: There is inadequate evidence on the quality of post-MI care. This study assessed the quality of post-MI care at selected cardiac clinics in Sulaymaniyah.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among cardiac clinics managing acute and chronic coronary artery disease in Sulaymaniyah from February to March 2025. Data entry, processing, and analysis were performed via SPSS version 24.0.

RESULTS

In total, 23 patients receiving post-MI follow-up care were included. The mean age of participants was 61 ± 11.31 years. Concerning the quality of post-MI care, 52.8% had a good quality of care. None of the patients were receiving low-dose colchicine (0.5 mg) for inflammation reduction. One-fourth 6 (26.1%) of patients were taking medications for mental health disorders. Having comorbid hypertension [AOR = 0.1016 (95% CI = 0.0138-0.747, p < 0.000), having comorbid diabetes AOR = 0.570 (95% CI = 0.290-0.916, p < 0.0.000)], being on follow-up [AOR = 18.94 (95% CI, 1.289-78.413; p < 0.032)], and receiving sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors [AOR = 5.690 (95% CI, 3.368-88.074; p < 0.0213)] were significantly associated with good post-MI quality care.

CONCLUSION

The quality of care provided to post-MI patients was low. Post-MI patient care should be comprehensive enough to address the holistic needs of patients to improve their longevity and quality of life. Addressing associated factors by involving all relevant stakeholders is important to improve the quality of care provided to post-MI patients. Future research that considers regional coverage is needed to determine the true picture of post-MI quality care and determinants.