Rationale of nationwide data network for acute myocardial infarction in Japan

Abstract

The quality of management for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Japan using coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery is excellent. However, epidemiological data is lacking, which is a major problem for further development of management for AMI in Japan. The guideline for ST-elevation AMI by the Japanese Circulation Society will be published in 2008, but it does not include nationwide epidemiological data in Japan. Obtained data from nationwide network would make the next guideline more useful for physicians and also it would be better for further development of the AMI management in Japan. Therefore, in this article rationale of the nationwide data network system and how to collect the data regarding AMI would be discussed with the results of questionnaire survey by the Committee of Coronary Care Unit in the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine.