Using GIS to Analyze Acute Myocardial Infarction in Turkey

Abstract

Approximately 3.5 million people have cardiologic problems and the number increases by 100 thousand every year in Turkey. Annually, approximately 400 thousand myocardial infarctions (MI) occur and fifty percent of deaths occur due to myocardial infarctions. These deaths occur due to lack of coordination and unconsciousness. It is well known that eighty percent of these incidents can be prevented if they can reach the hospital or health care providers on time. This study is part of a proposal project submitted to TUBITAK (The Scientific And Technical Council of Turkey) and BAP-ITU (Science and Research Projects - Technical University of Istanbul) in order to develop an emergency management model on Myocardial Infarction and, analyze concentration of MIs with respect to location, proximity to health care providers, public transportation routes, and arrange new locations for ambulances. This project will also help the determination of locations of new hospitals or ambulances and/or restoration centers.