Understanding the delay in seeking treatment in women with acute myocardial infarction: description of the Leventhal's Self-Regulation of Disease Model.

Abstract

Timely access to care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is critical for reducing morbidity and mortality, but women often seek care later than men. This article examines how Leventhal's Self-Regulation of Disease Model (SRM) can explain these delays and suggests interventions to improve the response to cardiac emergencies in women. Cultural perceptions of the disease as more prevalent in men contribute to the delays. The SRM provides a useful framework for understanding the influence of cultural and personal representations on care seeking. Targeted educational interventions and awareness campaigns highlighting the symptoms of AMI in women may improve timeliness of treatment and reduce mortality.