Espacios cardioprotegidos en México: acciones para prevenir la muerte súbita cardiaca. Una postura de profesionales de la salud.

La muerte súbita cardiaca es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Aunque su incidencia no es conocida, se estima que causa hasta 50% de la mortalidad de origen cardíaco y hasta 20% de la mortalidad total en los adultos. En México, estimaciones previas sugieren que causa en promedio 33 000 muertes al año; sin embargo, los datos no son precisos. La  mitad de los eventos por muerte súbita cardiaca se deben a un paro cardiaco súbito extrahospitalario que, de no ser atendido oportunamente, deriva en una muerte súbita cardiaca. Por tanto, la capacidad de responder pronta y adecuadamente a estos eventos con las maniobras y equipos necesarios mejora la sobrevida de las víctimas. Para atender este problema, en algunos estados del país se han creado espacios cardioprotegidos que permiten realizar maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar y desfibrilación cardiaca de acceso público oportunamente. Como objetivo, los profesionales de la salud establecen la importancia de implementar espacios cardioprotegidos y crear políticas públicas al respecto en todo el país.

Personalized care of patients with heart failure: are we ready for a REWOLUTION? Insights from two international surveys on healthcare professionals' needs and patients' perceptions.

AIMS: Guidelines for the management of heart failure (HF) are evolving, and increasing emphasis is placed on patient-centred care. As part of the REWOLUTION HF (REal WOrLd EdUcaTION in HF) programme, we conducted two international surveys aimed at assessing healthcare professionals' (HCPs) educational needs and patients' perspectives on the care of HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Anonymous online questionnaires co-developed by HF experts and patients assessed HCPs' educational needs (520 respondents, mostly cardiologists, in 67 countries) and patients' perceptions on HF impact and management (98 respondents in 18 countries). Among HCPs, 62.7% prioritized rapid initiation of all guideline-mandated medications over up-titration of some medications, and 87.7% always or frequently discussed treatment goals with patients. There was good agreement between HCPs and patients on key treatment goals, except for a greater emphasis on reducing hospitalizations among HCPs. The most frequently cited barriers to the provision of guideline-recommended pharmacological therapy were treatment side effects/intolerance, complex treatment regimens, low blood pressure, cost/reimbursement issues, and low estimated glomerular filtration rate. Most patients (81.6%) reported no difficulties taking medications as prescribed, although 21.4% felt they were taking too many pills. Patients wanted more information about HF and its consequences, prognosis, and treatments (70.4%, 74.5% and 76.6%, respectively). Cardiologists were the preferred source of information about HF, followed by general practitioners and HF nurses. CONCLUSIONS: These surveys provide valuable insights into HCPs' needs about personalized care for patients with HF, as well as patients' perceptions, expectations and preferences. These findings will be helpful to develop patient-centred, needs-driven quality improvement programmes.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on heart failure management: Global experience of the OPTIMIZE Heart Failure Care network.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in heart failure (HF) hospitalizations have been widely reported, and there is an urgent need to understand how HF care has been reorganized in countries with different infection levels, vaccination rates and healthcare services. The OPTIMIZE Heart Failure Care program has a global network of investigators in 42 countries, with first-hand experience of the impact of the pandemic on HF management in different care settings. The national coordinators were surveyed to assess: 1) the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for continuity of HF care, from both a hospital and patient perspective; 2) the organizational changes enacted to ensure continued HF care; and 3) lessons learned for the future of HF care. Contributions were obtained from 37 national coordinators in 29 countries. We summarize their input, highlighting the issues raised and using the example of three very different settings (Italy, Brazil, and Taiwan) to illustrate the similarities and differences across the OPTIMIZE program.

[Pulmonary arterial hypertension from the risk assessment to combined treatment]. / Hipertensión arterial pulmonar desde la evaluación del riesgo al tratamiento combinado.

This paper shows the importance of the guideline clinical practice as well as the centers for comprehensive care of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The current treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension is analyzed according to its severity, stratified through the evaluation of the multiple parameters of risk and its mortality to 1 year. The prognosis of the disease is considered and the place of the combined treatment indicated in sequential manner or from the beginning.

En este trabajo se señala la importancia de las guías de actuación clínica, así como de los centros de atención integral de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar. Se analiza el tratamiento actual de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar de acuerdo a su severidad, estratificado a través de la evaluación de parámetros múltiples de riesgo y su mortalidad a 1 año. Además, se considera el pronóstico de la enfermedad y el lugar que tiene el tratamiento combinado indicado en forma secuencial o desde un inicio.

[Obesity hypoventilation syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. An association little-known in Mexico]. / El síndrome de hipoventilación del obeso y la hipertensión pulmonar. Una asociación poco conocida en México.

The obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) refers to the combination of obesity, daytime hypercapnia and sleep-disordered breathing. Obesity has risen to epidemic proportions in the last three decades in the United States, Mexico and Europe. The OHS is associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 30%. Without treatment, mortality is 46% at 50 months. So in this paper we analyze the OHS, obesity and pulmonary hypertension, the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis as well as the treatment, which is aimed at the correction of sleep-disordered breathing and hypoxemia; although there is little experience with the use of specific pulmonary vasodilator drugs.

El síndrome de hipoventilación del obeso (SHO) se refiere a la combinación de obesidad, hipercapnia diurna y trastornos respiratorios del sueño. La obesidad ha aumentado con características epidémicas en las últimas tres décadas en Estados Unidos, México y Europa. El SHO se asocia al síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño hasta en el 30%. Sin tratamiento, la mortalidad es de 46% a 50 meses. Por lo que en este trabajo se analizan el SHO, la obesidad y la hipertensión pulmonar, la fisiopatología, la presentación clínica y el diagnóstico, además del tratamiento, el cual está orientado a la corrección de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño y la hipoxemia; aún hay poca experiencia con el uso de medicamentos vasodilatadores pulmonares específicos.

[The pulmonary hypertension of the chronic kidney disease]. / La hipertensión pulmonar de la enfermedad renal crónica.

Pulmonary hypertension in chronic kidney disease is included in the group 5 of the pulmonary hypertension classification of the World Health Organization. Its mechanism is multifactorial and little known. Its importance has increased due to its impact on survival according to whether they received a kidney transplant, the greater risk of early renal graft loss and major hospital stays. In this review, we analyze the panorama of chronic renal disease in Mexico and Latin America, the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, the diagnostic process and the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in chronic kidney disease.

La hipertensión pulmonar de la enfermedad renal crónica está contemplada en el grupo 5 de la clasificación de hipertensión pulmonar de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Su mecanismo es multifactorial y poco conocido. Su importancia ha incrementado debido a su impacto en la supervivencia de acuerdo a si el paciente recibió un trasplante renal, al mayor riesgo de pérdida temprana del injerto renal y a las estancias hospitalarias mayores. En esta revisión, se analiza el panorama de la enfermedad renal crónica en México y Latinoamérica, la epidemiología, los mecanismos fisiopatológicos, el proceso diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la hipertensión pulmonar en la enfermedad renal crónica.

[Consensus on Systemic Arterial Hypertension In México]. / Consenso de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica en México.

This Consenso Nacional de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica (National Consensus on Systemic Arterial Hypertension) brings together experiences and joint work of 79 specialists who have been in contact with the patient affected by systemic arterial hypertension. All concepts here presented were outlined on the basis of the real world practice of Mexican hypertensive population. The consensus was developed under strict methodological guidelines. The Delphi technique was applied in two rounds for the development of an appropriate statistical analysis of the concepts exposed by all the specialists, who posed key questions, later developed by the panel of experts of the Hospital de Cardiología, and specialists from the Centro Médico Nacional. Several angles of this illness are shown: detection, diagnosis, pathophysiology, classification, treatment and prevention. The evidence analysis was carried out using PRISMA method. More than 600 articles were reviewed, leaving only the most representative in the references. This document concludes with practical and useful recommendations for the three levels of health care of our country.

Este Consenso Nacional de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica reúne las experiencias y el trabajo conjunto de 79 especialistas que han estado en contacto con el paciente que padece hipertensión arterial sistémica. Todos los conceptos aquí presentados se plantearon con base en la práctica del mundo real de la población hipertensa de México. El consenso se desarrolló bajo lineamientos metodológicos estrictos. La técnica de Delphi se aplicó en dos vueltas para el desarrollo de un análisis estadístico apropiado de los conceptos vertidos por todos los especialistas con preguntas clave que desarrolló el panel de expertos del Hospital de Cardiología y especialistas del Centro Médico Nacional. Se presentan los aspectos de detección, diagnóstico, fisiopatología, clasificación, tratamiento y prevención. El análisis de la evidencia en la literatura se hizo utilizando el método de PRISMA para análisis de evidencia. Se revisaron más de 600 artículos y se dejaron en la bibliografía solo los más representativos. Este documento concluye con recomendaciones prácticas y de utilidad para los tres niveles de atención en salud de nuestro país.

[Methodology for superiority versus equivalence and non-inferior clinical studies. A practical review]. / Metodología para los estudios clínicos de superioridad frente a los de equivalencia y estudios de no inferioridad. Una revisión aplicada.

Physicians should always remember that a negative result in a superiority trial never would prove that the therapies under research are equivalent; more often, there may be a risk of type 2 (false negative) error. Equivalence and not inferiority studies demand high standards to provide reliable results. Physicians should take into account above all that the equivalence margins tend to be too large to be clinically significant and that the claim of equivalence can be misleading if a study has not been conducted at a sufficiently high level. In addition, physicians must be a bit skeptical of judgments that do not include the basic requirements of information, including the definition and justification of the equivalence margin, the calculation of the size of the sample bearing in mind this margin, the presentation of both analysis (intention-to-treat and by protocol), and provide confidence intervals for the results. Equivalence and inferiority studies are not indicated in certain areas. If one follows the required strict adherence to the specific methodology, such studies can provide new and important knowledge.

Los médicos deben recordar siempre que un resultado negativo en una prueba de superioridad nunca probará que las terapias investigadas son equivalentes; más a menudo puede haber un gran riesgo de error de tipo 2 (resultado falso negativo). Los estudios de equivalencia y de no inferioridad exigen altos estándares para proporcionar resultados confiables. Los médicos deben tener en cuenta sobre todo que los márgenes de equivalencia suelen ser demasiado grandes como para ser clínicamente significativos y que la reclamación de esta puede ser engañosa si un estudio no se ha llevado a cabo a un nivel suficientemente elevado. Además, los médicos deben ser un poco escépticos de análisis que no incluyan los requisitos básicos de información, incluida la definición y la justificación del margen de equivalencia, el cálculo del tamaño de la muestra (deben tomar en cuenta este margen), la presentación de ambos tipos de análisis (por intención de tratar y por protocolo), así como los intervalos de confianza para los resultados. Los estudios de equivalencia y de no inferioridad se indican en ciertas áreas. Si se sigue la estricta adherencia necesaria a la metodología específica, tales estudios pueden proporcionar nuevos e importantes conocimientos.

[Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Impact of change in the paradigm of isolated diastolic dysfunction]. / Insuficiencia cardiaca con fraccion de expulsion preservada (ICFEP). Impacto del cambio en el paradigma de la disfunción diastólica aislada.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a significant and growing public health problem, since it currently represents half of all patients with heart failure. Despite improvements in the understanding of the disease, there is no benefit form treatments tested at all. Advances in diagnostic imaging and invasive evaluation algorithms will allow a more accurate and early diagnosis so that treatment of earliest forms in the progression of the disease are applied since the potential for benefit may be higher. Although important progress has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology, cardiac catheterization, and cellular of diastolic failure mechanisms and not diastolic mechanisms of disease, further research is required promptly to determine how best to address these anomalies to reduce the significant burden of morbidity and mortality in this form of heart failure, which is reaching pandemic proportions.

Concordancia entre la gasometría arterial y venosa central en sujetos postoperados de cirugía de revascularización miocárdica en condición estable / Concordance between central venous and arterial blood gases in post-surgical myocardial revascularization patients in stable condition

Objetivo: La concordancia entre los parámetros de la gasometría arterial y venosa central no se ha definido aún, por lo cual estudiamos la concordancia entre ambas en sujetos postoperados de cirugía de revascularización miocárdica en condición estable. Métodos: Se estudiaron sujetos de manera consecutiva con un diseño transversal. Se les determinó la posición del catéter venoso central y al mismo tiempo se obtuvo la muestra arterial y venosa central previa a su egreso de la terapia intensiva. Los datos se expresaron según el método estadístico de Bland-Altman y al coeficiente de correlación intraclase. El resultado estadístico aceptó una p < 0.05. Resultados: Se estudiaron 206 muestras de 103 sujetos postoperados, el pH y el lactato tuvieron una diferencia media (límites de acuerdo) de 0.029 ± 0.048 (−0.018, 0.077) y −0.12 ± 0.22 (−0.57, 0.33) respectivamente; la magnitud del coeficiente de correlación intraclase respectiva fue de 0.904 y 0.943; las relativas a la presión de oxígeno 27.86 ± 6.08 (15.9, 39.8) y la saturación de oxígeno 33.02 ± 6.13 (21, 45), magnitud 0.258 y 0.418. Conclusión: Los parámetros con mejor concordancia arterial y venosa central fueron el pH y el lactato.

Objective: The concordance between the parameters of arterial and central venous blood gases has not been defined yet. We studied the concordance between both parameters in post-surgical myocardial revascularization patients in stable condition. Methods: Consecutive subjects were studied in a cross-sectional design. The position of the central venous catheter was performed and simultaneously we obtained arterial and central venous blood samples prior to discharge from the intensive care unit. Data are expressed according to Bland-Altman statistical method and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Statistical result was accepted at P < .05. Results: Two hundred and six samples were studied of 103 post-surgical patients, pH and lactate had a mean difference (limits of agreement) 0.029 ± 0.048 (−0018, 0.077) and −0.12 ± 0.22 (−0.57, 0.33) respectively. The magnitude of the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.904 and 0.943 respectively. The values related to oxygen pressure were 27.86 ± 6.08 (15.9, 39.8) and oxygen saturation 33.02 ± 6.13 (21, 45), with magnitude of 0.258 and 0.418 respectively. Conclusion: The best matching parameters between arterial and central venous blood samples were pH and lactate.

[Concordance between central venous and arterial blood gases in post-surgical myocardial revascularization patients in stable condition]. / Concordancia entre la gasometría arterial y venosa central en sujetos postoperados de cirugía de revascularización miocárdica en condición estable.

OBJECTIVE: The concordance between the parameters of arterial and central venous blood gases has not been defined yet. We studied the concordance between both parameters in post-surgical myocardial revascularization patients in stable condition. METHODS: Consecutive subjects were studied in a cross-sectional design. The position of the central venous catheter was performed and simultaneously we obtained arterial and central venous blood samples prior to discharge from the intensive care unit. Data are expressed according to Bland-Altman statistical method and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Statistical result was accepted at P<.05. RESULTS: Two hundred and six samples were studied of 103 post-surgical patients, pH and lactate had a mean difference (limits of agreement) 0.029±0.048 (-0018, 0.077) and -0.12±0.22 (-0.57, 0.33) respectively. The magnitude of the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.904 and 0.943 respectively. The values related to oxygen pressure were 27.86±6.08 (15.9, 39.8) and oxygen saturation 33.02±6.13 (21, 45), with magnitude of 0.258 and 0.418 respectively. CONCLUSION: The best matching parameters between arterial and central venous blood samples were pH and lactate.

[The echocardiography in cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction]. / La ecocardiografía en la remodelación cardíaca después del infarto agudo de miocardio.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of left ventricular diastolic filling on remodeling and survival after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: We studied 36 patients with first acute myocardial treated with thrombolytic agents. A Doppler echocardiography was performed at 24 hours, 30 and 90 days after infarction. It measured the relation between E and A waves peak velocities (E/A ratio) and of the E deceleration time (EDT, ms), as well as the flow propagation velocity using color mode M and the E'-wave by tissular Doppler at the lateral mitral ring. RESULTS: Patients were divided into three groups. Group I, restrctive filling (deceleration time < 140 ms, E/FPV > or = 2, E/A> 2 and E/E' > 15). Group II, elevated filling pressure (deceleration time > or = 140 ms, E/FVP > or = 2, E/A 1,2 and E/E' < or = 15). Group III, normal filling pressure (deceleration time > or = 140 ms, E/FVP < 2, E/A < 1 and E/E' < 15). The E/FPV showed a better correlation in the group with restrictive filling and left ventricular filling pressure was significantly greater than in the group with normal filling pressure at 90 days (2.18 +/- 0.90 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.35; r = 0.99; P = .0001). The end diastolic volume (EDV) was similar in the three groups 24 hours after infarction. EDV varied at 90 days after infarction in those patients that underwent successful coronary angioplasty. Group I, 142.48 +/- 32 vs. 112.48 +/- 32, r = 573; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: E/FVP, using color M-mode Doppler echocardiography, estimates left ventricular filling pressure and predicts left ventricular dilation after acute myocardial infarction.

La ecocardiografía en la remodelación cardíaca después del infarto agudo de miocardio / The echocardiography in cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of left ventricular diastolic filling on remodeling and survival after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: We studied 36 patients with first acute myocardial treated with thrombolytic agents. A Doppler echocardiography was performed at 24 hours, 30 and 90 days after infarction. It measured the relation between E and A waves peak velocities (E/A ratio) and of the E deceleration time (EDT, ms), as well as the flow propagation velocity using color mode M and the E'-wave by tissular Doppler at the lateral mitral ring. RESULTS: Patients were divided into three groups. Group I, restrctive filling (deceleration time < 140 ms, E/FPV > or = 2, E/A> 2 and E/E' > 15). Group II, elevated filling pressure (deceleration time > or = 140 ms, E/FVP > or = 2, E/A 1,2 and E/E' < or = 15). Group III, normal filling pressure (deceleration time > or = 140 ms, E/FVP < 2, E/A < 1 and E/E' < 15). The E/FPV showed a better correlation in the group with restrictive filling and left ventricular filling pressure was significantly greater than in the group with normal filling pressure at 90 days (2.18 +/- 0.90 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.35; r = 0.99; P = .0001). The end diastolic volume (EDV) was similar in the three groups 24 hours after infarction. EDV varied at 90 days after infarction in those patients that underwent successful coronary angioplasty. Group I, 142.48 +/- 32 vs. 112.48 +/- 32, r = 573; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: E/FVP, using color M-mode Doppler echocardiography, estimates left ventricular filling pressure and predicts left ventricular dilation after acute myocardial infarction.

Cellular autotransplantation for ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is highly prevalent among patients >65 years old. The incidence increases starting at approximately 45 years of age. Recent therapeutic advances have included stem cell transplantation in the affected areas of the myocardium in order to improve perfusion and myocardial performance. METHODS: Between July 13, 2004 and August 31, 2005, 39 procedures were undertaken in 34 male and 5 female patients, with a mean age of 53.6 +/- 9.08 years (range: 35-71 years old), suffering from terminal heart failure and without any other therapeutic alternative. Thirty four cases presented ischemic cardiomyopathy and five presented idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. All patients were treated with autologous stem cell transplantation obtained from the peripheral blood supply through hemophoresis and implanted by means of a left anterior thoracotomy via intramyocardial injection. Functional class, ejection fraction and myocardial perfusion were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Seven patients presented ventricular fibrillation during the procedure, requiring defibrillation. Two patients died due to intractable arrhythmias during the perioperative period; the remaining patients are currently participating in a rehabilitation program with a favorable evolution. A mid-term follow-up has been completed in 27 patients. Preoperatively, the functional class for 26 of these patients was III. Postoperatively, functional classes are II in 5 cases and I in 15 patients at the mid-term evaluation with ejection fraction improvements of 37.7 +/- 14.2 to 42.15 +/- 5.9. CONCLUSIONS: Cell therapy is a safe and useful procedure in selected patients with ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Complicaciones crónicas del trasplante cardiaco: Implicaciones clínicas y estrategias futuras / Chronic complications in cardiac transplantation: Clinical implications and future strategies

Chronic complications are situations which limit the long-term utility of cardiac transplantation. The allograft vasculopathy is the most important cause of death at 5 years alter transplantation. Another conditions are systemic arterial hypertension, nephropathies, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemies and malignant neoplasies. The present manuscript summarizes the characteristics, clinical presentation and therapeutic strategies for this conditions.

Las complicaciones crónicas asociadas al trasplante cardiaco son situaciones que limitan la utilidad a largo plazo de este procedimiento. Dentro de ellas destaca la vasculopatía del injerto que constituye la primera causa de muerte a cinco años del trasplante. Otras situaciones incluyen la hipertensión arterial sistémica, la enfermedad renal, la diabetes mellitus de novo, las dislipidemias y las neoplasias. En el presente trabajo se resumen algunas de las características, causas, presentación clínica y estrategias de manejo de estas situaciones.

[Chronic complications in cardiac transplantation. Clinical implications and future strategies]. / Complicaciones crónicas del trasplante cardiaco. Implicaciones clínicas y estrategias futuras.

Chronic complications are situations which limit the long-term utility of cardiac transplantation. The allograft vasculopathy is the most important cause of death at 5 years alter transplantation. Another conditions are systemic arterial hypertension, nephropathies, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemies and malignant neoplasies. The present manuscript summarizes the characteristics, clinical presentation and therapeutic strategies for this conditions.

[Clinical and paraclinical course in patients with lower infarction with and without precordial ST segment depression]. / Evolución clínica y paraclínica de los pacientes con infarto inferior con y sin depresión precordial del segmento ST.

OBJECTIVE: To know the early (30 days) and mid-term (6 months) clinical and paraclinical evolution of patients surviving an inferior infarct with or without precordial depression of the ST segment (RST). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied all patients with inferior myocardial infarction during 1998. Patients were divided in two groups according to the presence or absence of a significant and persistent low level of RST (> 2 mm for more than 24 h) at the precordial leads. We compared the clinical, paraclinical evolution and survival at 30 days and 6 months after infarction. RESULTS: We studied 127 patients, 93 of them had persistent RST depression in the precordial leads, whereas the other 34 only presented changes at the inferior wall. The study revealed that those patients with changes in the anterior wall had a slightly higher frequency of cardiac failure, conduction disorders, deterioration of the left ventricular function, and plurivascular coronary disease. Likewise, it was flaund that RST depression at the precordial leads induced a greater mortality at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with inferior myocardial infarction, the precordial depression of RST seems to be associated with an adverse clinical and paraclinical evolution, as well as a higher mortality. However, the differences are not statistically significant, therefore more studies are needed to elucidate this point.

Evolución clínica y paraclínica de los pacientes con infarto inferior con y sin depresión precordial del segmento ST / Clinical and paraclinical evolution of patients with inferior infacrt and with or without precordial depression of the ST segment

Objetivo: Conocer la evolución clínica y paraclínica temprana (30 días) y a mediano plazo (6 meses) de los pacientes sobrevivientes a un infarto inferior con y sin depresión precordial del segmento ST (RST). Material y métodos: Estudiamos a todos los pacientes con IM inferior durante 1998. Fueron divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo a la presencia o ausencia de infradesnivel significativo y persistente del RST (> 2 mm por más de 24 horas) en derivaciones precordiales. Se comparó la evolución clínica, paraclínica y sobrevida a los 30 días y a los 6 meses de haber presentado el infarto. Resultados: Se estudiaron 127 pacientes, de los cuales, 93 tuvieron depresión persistente del RST en derivaciones precordiales, mientras que los 34 limitaron sus cambios a la cara inferior. El estudio demostró que aquellos pacientes con cambios en cara anterior tuvieron una frecuencia discretamente mayor de insuficiencia cardíaca, alteraciones de la conducción, deterioro de la función ventricular izquierda y enfermedad coronaria plurivascular; del mismo modo, se encontró que la depresión del RST en derivaciones precordiales, tuvieron una mayor mortalidad a 6 meses. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con IM inferior, la depresión precordial del RST, parece estar asociada con una evolución clínica y paraclínica adversa, así como una mayor mortalidad; no obstante, los resultados del presente trabajo no demostraron que dichas diferencias sean significativas desde el punto de vista estadístico, por lo que son necesarios nuevos ensayos para definir este problema.

Objective: To know the early (30 days) and mid-term (6 months) clinical and paraclinical evolution of patients surviving an inferior infarct with or without precordial depression of the ST segment (RST). Material and methods: We studied all patients with inferior myocardial infarction during 1998. Patients were divided in two groups according to the presence or absence of a significant and persistent low level of RST (> 2 mm for more than 24 h) at the precordial leads. We compared the clinical, paraclinical evolution and survival at 30 days and 6 months after infarction. Results: We studied 127 patients, 93 of them had persistent RST depression in the precordial leads, whereas the other 34 only presented changes at the inferior wall. The study revealed that those patients with changes in the anterior wall had a slightly higher frequency of cardiac failure, conduction disorders, deterioration of the left ventricular function, and plurivascular coronary disease. Likewise, it was flaund that RST depression at the precordial leads induced a greater mortality at 6 months. Conclusions: In patients with inferior myocardial infarction, the precordial depression of RST seems to be associated with an adverse clinical and paraclinical evolution, as well as a higher mortality. However, the differences are not statistically significant, therefore more studies are needed to elucidate this point.