Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Right Coronary Artery Infarction: A Primary PCI Registry Analysis.

Right ventricular involvement in inferior myocardial infarction (MI) was historically associated with a poor prognosis. However, few studies addressed the impact of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in the primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) era. Our aim was to assess the prognostic significance of RV dysfunction in right coronary artery (RCA) related MI treated with pPCI. METHODS: A total of 298 patients with a RCA related MI undergone pPCI between January 2011 and June 2015 were included. RV dysfunction was defined by a RV-FAC <35% at echocardiographic examination and further divided into mild (RV-FAC between 35 and 25%) and moderate-severe (RV-FAC <25%). RV function before discharge was reassessed in 95% of the study cohort. The primary endpoint was overall mortality. Median follow-up was 29 months. RESULTS: In RCA related MI, moderate-severe (HR 5.882, p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.882-18.385) but not mild RV dysfunction independently predicted lower survival at follow-up along with age (HR 1.104, p <0.001, CI 1.045-1.167). Importantly, patients recovering RV function at discharge showed a lower mortality (p = 0.001) vs patients with persistent moderate-severe RV dysfunction) that approached the risk of patients without RV dysfunction at presentation. CONCLUSION: In RCA related MI treated with pPCI, RV dysfunction was one of the strongest independent predictor of lower overall survival. However, patients with only transient RV dysfunction showed a better prognosis compared to patients who had persistent RV dysfunction. The focus on intensive support management of the RV in the first hours after pPCI may be important to overcome the acute phase and to promote RV recovery.

Clinical Presentation, Quality of Care, Risk Factors and Outcomes in Women with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): An Observational Report from Six Middle Eastern Countries.

BACKGROUND: Most of the available literature on ST-Elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) in women was conducted in the developed world and data from Middle-East countries was limited. AIMS: To examine the clinical presentation, patient management, quality of care, risk factors and inhospital outcomes of women with acute STEMI compared with men using data from a large STEMI registry from the Middle East. METHODS: Data were derived from the third Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE-3Ps), a prospective, multinational study of adults with acute STEMI from 36 hospitals in 6 Middle-Eastern countries. The study included 2928 patients; 296 women (10.1%) and 2632 men (89.9%). Clinical presentations, management and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Women were 10 years older and more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia compared with men who were more likely to be smokers (all p<0.001). Women had longer median symptom-onset to emergency department (ED) arrival times (230 vs. 170 min, p<0.001) and ED to diagnostic ECG (8 vs. 6 min., p<0.001). When primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) was performed, women had longer door-to-balloon time (DBT) (86 vs. 73 min., p=0.009). When thrombolytic therapy was not administered, women were less likely to receive PPCI (69.7 vs. 76.7%, p=0.036). The mean duration of hospital stay was longer in women (6.03 ± 22.51 vs. 3.41 ± 19.45 days, p=0.032) and the crude in-hospital mortality rate was higher in women (10.4 vs. 5.2%, p<0.001). However, after adjustments, multivariate analysis revealed a statistically non-significant trend of higher inhospital mortality among women than men (6.4 vs. 4.6%), (p=0.145). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that women in our region have almost double the mortality from STEMI compared with men. Although this can partially be explained by older age and higher risk profiles in women, however, correction of identified gaps in quality of care should be attempted to reduce the high morbidity and mortality of STEMI in our women.

The impact of right ventricular function assessed by 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography on early mortality in patients with inferior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) involvement in inferior myocardial infarction (MI) increases in-hospital morbidity and mortality. HYPOTHESIS: RV systolic dysfunction assessed by 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) might be a predictor of early mortality in patients with acute inferior MI. METHODS: Eighty-one consecutive patients with acute inferior MI (mean age, 60.8 ± 12.7 years; 18 females) were included. RV myocardial involvement was defined as an elevation >1 mm in V1 or V4 R within 12 hours of symptom onset. RV function was assessed by STE. Patients were followed for 30 days for all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients had RV myocardial involvement, and they had significantly lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity (RVS), and left ventricular (LV) and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS). Nine patients (11%) died within 30 days. The mean age of mortality group was higher with more female frequency. They had significantly higher pro-BNP, hs-troponin T, and creatinine levels, but lower hemoglobin levels. TIMI 3 flow was significantly less achieved in mortality group. RV myocardial involvement was more frequent in the mortality group, and they had significantly lower TAPSE, RVS, and LV and RV GLS. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and RV GLS were independent predictors of early mortality. RV GLS ≤ -14% predicted early mortality in patients with acute inferior MI with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 62.5% (AUC: 0.817, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: RV GLS may be useful in predicting early mortality in patients with acute inferior MI.

Ivabradine vs metoprolol in patients with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction-"Expanding arena for ivabradine".

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular (AV) blocks are of concern with the use of beta blockers in inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Ivabradine lowers heart rate with a lesser risk of AV blocks. OBJECTIVES: To compare ivabradine with metoprolol in acute inferior wall MI in terms of feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy. METHODS: It was a prospective double-blind single-center randomized controlled study. Of 1032 patients with acute inferior wall MI, 468 eligible patients were randomized in 1:1 manner to ivabradine (group A) and metoprolol (group B). Intention to treat analysis of 426 patients (group A-232 and group B-232) was performed. The primary endpoint was 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events including death, reinfarction, complete heart block (CHB), and heart failure. Secondary endpoints included 30 days incidence of recurrent angina, readmission, first- or second-degree AV block, and tachyarrhythmias. RESULTS: Both the drugs decreased the mean heart rate to 62.22±2.95 (group A) vs 62.53±3.59 (group B) beats per minute (P=0.33). Ejection fraction improved in both the groups (5.15±1.93% in group A vs 5.52±2.18% in group B, P=0.065). The two groups did not differ significantly in their primary endpoints in terms of death (group A=1.72% vs group B=1.72%, OR=1.00, 95% CI=0.25-4.05, P=1.00), reinfarction (group A=0.86% vs group B=0.86%, OR=1.00, 95% CI=0.14-7.16, P=1.00), heart failure (group A=4.31% vs group B=2.59%, OR=1.70, 95% CI=0.61-4.75, P=0.31), or CHB (0% vs 2.59%, OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.00-1.34, P=0.08). There were no significant differences in the secondary endpoints of recurrent angina, readmission, and tachyarrhythmias except for more first- and second-degree AV blocks with metoprolol (12.93% vs 2.59%, OR=5.59, 95% CI=2.28-13.72, P=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Ivabradine is well tolerated and equally effective as metoprolol in acute inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction patients for lowering the heart rate with lesser risk of AV blocks.

Short-term outcome of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction with emphasis on conduction blocks: a prospective observational study in Indian population.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the complications, particularly conduction blocks, subsequent morbidity and mortality, and effect of thrombolytic therapy in Indian patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI). METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, single-center study conducted at LPS Institute of Cardiology, Kanpur, from December 2011 to May 2014. Patients who presented with typical chest pain and were subsequently diagnosed by standardized diagnostic criteria as having IWMI were enrolled. Patients were grouped on basis of conduction abnormalities, right ventricular (RV) infarction and thrombolytic treatment. Each group was analyzed for comparison of complication profile and mortality. RESULTS: Of 573 patients with IWMI enrolled in the study (mean age: 58.90±12.3 years), 81.2% were male, 225 (39.3%) had conduction blocks, and 189 (32.9%) had RV infarction. In patients with conduction blocks, mortality occurred in 27 patients (12.0%) in contrast to 3.4% of patients without conduction block (p<0.03). Also, there were 27 cases of in-hospital mortality in patients with RV infarction compared with 9 cases in patients without RV infarction (p<0.01). Thrombolytic therapy significantly reduced mortality in patients with IWMI (p<0.001). A significant reduction was observed in cardiogenic shock (p=0.002), severe mitral regurgitation (p=0.007), and left ventricular failure (p<0.001) in patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy. CONCLUSION: In Indian patients with IWMI, incidence of conduction blocks was higher than previously reported studies. Major complications such as atrioventricular block and RV infarction are associated with increased mortality and poor clinical outcomes. Thrombolytic therapy has a beneficial role in reduction of mortality rate and other complications.

ST-Segment Elevated Acute Myocardial Infarction: Changing Profile Over Last 24 Years.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is rising in epidemic proportions with India not being an exception. CAD in Indian scenario has its onset at a younger age with multitude of risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to obtain complete information about demographic profile, risk factors, clinical scenario, therapeutic modalities, natural course, outcome and changing profile of acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 45,122 acute STEMI patients admitted 1st March 1990 to 1st March 2014. A predefined performa was completed in every patient with detailed clinical history, physical examination, laboratory and investigation parameters, therapeutic interventions and inhospital outcome. RESULTS: Our population cohort presented with STEMI at age of 56.34±11.88 years with 82.48% male. Urban residency (64.35%), lower level of education (61.03%), middle and low socioeconomic status (81.01%), unemployment (56.47%), lack of exercise (78.80%) and poor dietary pattern including low intake of fruits and vegetables (58.80%) were pivotal players. Smoking was prevalent in 48.80% cases, with overweight and obesity (51.11%), diabetes mellitus (27.34%), hypertension (38.85%), hyperlipidemia (28.15%), alcoholism (28.80%) and family history (16.66%). Our population had mildly elevated LDL (101.4±33.38 mg/dl), low HDL (36.6±10.7 mg.dl) and high TC/HDL ratio (4.05±1.36). Majority harbored (52.06%) two or more risk factors, while in 16.60% no conventional risk factors were identified. Anterior wall STEMI (56.78%) far exceeded the inferior wall (37.55%). Less than half (47.77%) presented within the window period of 12 hours while only 0.8% of patients availed the golden period of 1 hour. 50.27% presented in Killip Class II or beyond. Angiography revealed single vessel disease (46.76%) with LAD involvement being most common (58.85%). Thrombolytic therapy was provided in 38.95% and primary PCI in 2.1%. Complications in the form of CHF (34.7%), cardiogenic shock (8.65%), reinfarction (6.5%), arrhythmia (59.2%) and mortality (10.57%) were seen. Mortality decreased from 13.9% (from 1990-2000) to 8.8% (2000-2014). CONCLUSIONS: With recent increased use of ß-blocker, ACEI/ARB, aldosterone antagonist and reperfusion strategy, we have brought down the mortality to lower level.

Right ventricular systolic function as a marker of prognosis after ST-elevation inferior myocardial infarction 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce data about clinical value of right ventricular (RV) systolic function assessed in pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiography for predicting long-term prognosis in patients with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess correlations of RV function parameters in patients after inferior ST-elevation MI with preserved or mildly impaired left ventricular ejection fraction with prognosis during 5-year follow-up. Primary endpoint was death from any cause or unscheduled hospitalization for cardiac causes (unstable angina/MI, percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass grafting due to progression of coronary artery disease, heart failure exacerbation or pacemaker implantation), secondary endpoints were all listed above components analyzed separately. RV systolic function was measured with pulsed tissue Doppler as systolic myocardial velocity at the basal segment of RV free wall in the acute phase and pre-discharge echocardiography. RESULTS: Follow-up was conducted in 86 consecutive patients (mean age 61±10years, 74% males). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only RV systolic function in pre-discharge echocardiography correlated independently with the primary endpoint (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34-0.92, p=0.02). A positive predictive value of 44% and a negative predictive value of 83% (sensitivity 80%, specificity 49%, AUC 0.7) for predicting the primary endpoint was established for RV systolic myocardial velocity<13cm/s in pre-discharge echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: In patients after inferior wall ST-elevation MI with preserved or slightly impaired LV systolic function, pre-discharge RV systolic dysfunction correlated independently with worse long-term prognosis.

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is associated with adverse outcomes in acute right ventricular infarction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute right ventricular infarction (RVI), global right ventricular (RV) performance is dependent on compensatory left ventricular (LV)-septal contractile contributions. This study was designed to assess the influence of depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in patients with RVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively identified 338 patients with acute inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing a primary percutaneous coronary intervention. RVI was determined echocardiographically by right ventricular free wall motion abnormalities and depressed global RV performance (fractional area change); LV function was similarly calculated. RVI was documented in 185 (55%) cases. Compared with those with inferior myocardial infarction alone, patients with RVI suffered more hemodynamic compromise (need for inotropes or vasopressors 39 vs. 15%, P<0.0001, and intra-aortic balloon pump 32 vs. 13%, P<0.0001) and higher in-hospital mortality (14 vs. 3%, P=0.0006). In cases without RVI, the status of LV function did not influence in-hospital mortality (ejection fraction≤40%=7.3% vs. ejection fraction>40%=1.8, P=0.12). In contrast, in patients with RVI, LVEF was an important determinant of outcome: those with LVEF ≤ 40% suffered more hemodynamic compromise (need for inotropes or vasopressors 63 vs. 30%, P<0.0001, and intra-aortic balloon pump 59 vs. 22%, P<0.0001) and had markedly higher in-hospital mortality (33 vs. 7%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: In patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction complicated by RVI, depressed LVEF is associated with greater hemodynamic compromise and higher in-hospital mortality. These findings may have clinical implications for supportive efforts in such cases.

The Value of Lead aVR ST Segment Changes in Localizing Culprit Lesion in Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction and Its Prognostic Impact.

BACKGROUND: Identifying infarct-related artery (IRA) in patients with inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has prognostic and therapeutic benefits. OBJECTIVES: To differentiate IRA and the location of culprit lesion in inferior STEMI, using ST segment changes in lead aVR. METHODS: ST segment changes in lead aVR were recorded in 150 patients, admitted with first inferior STEMI. The association of IRA and the location of culprit lesion with ST segment changes in aVR were investigated. RESULTS: ST elevation ≥ 0.5 mm in lead aVR was present in 17 patients (11.3%), ST depression ≥ 0.5 mm in 74 patients (49.3%) and 59 patients (39.3%) did not have significant ST segment changes. Right coronary artery (RCA) was the IRA in 117 patients (78%) and left circumflex artery (LCX) in 33 patients (22%). Prevalence of RCA involvement as the IRA was different in three study groups (94.1% in ST elevation group, 83.1% in isoelectric group and 70.3% in ST depression group, P = 0.049). Presence of ST elevation had a sensitivity and specificity of 13.68 % and 96.97%, for detecting RCA lesions, respectively. ST depression had 66.67% sensitivity and 55.56% specificity for identifying LCX lesions. Clinical complications were low in our study with no significant difference among patients of three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of ST elevation is highly suggestive of RCA lesions versus LCX lesions, whereas absence of ST elevation cannot rule out RCA lesions. Presence of ST depression has a moderate sensitivity and specificity for LCX lesions.

The prognostic value of a prominent Q wave in lead (-)aVR in acute anterior wall myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association of a prominent Q wave in lead (-)aVR with clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic findings in anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to evaluate the role of this finding in short-term and long-term outcomes. METHODS: During a one-year period, 150 patients with first time anterior STEMI were screened and 121 patients with no other cardiopulmonary and renal comorbid diagnoses were included in the study. Patients were allocated into two groups based on presence or absence of a prominent Q wave in lead (-)aVR. All clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and angiographic data were recorded and compared between the groups. In-hospital adverse outcomes and mortality as well as two-year survival were also compared. RESULTS: Among 121 patients (mean age: 62.8±12.5 years) 26.4% had a prominent Q wave in lead (-)aVR. The prevalence of multi-vessel disease was higher in patients with a Q wave (76.9% vs. 52.8%, p=0.03). ST-segment elevation in lead V6 was significantly more common in those with a Q wave (50% vs. 30.3%, p=0.04). Posterobasal region motion abnormality was more common in the Q wave group. (9.4% vs. 1.2% respectively, p=0.04). Overall, mortality was higher in the Q wave group; however, it was not statistically significant (15.4% vs. 9.3%, p=0.39). CONCLUSION: In anterior STEMI, presence of a Q wave in lead (-)aVR is associated with occlusion of multiple arteries. Short- and mid-term mortality are not affected by this ECG finding.

Presence of sigma shaped right coronary artery is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with inferior myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is well established. The clinical variables associated with poor prognosis in patients with STEMI have been extensively investigated. Right coronary artery (RCA) has two anatomical variations detected on coronary angiography namely C-shaped and sigma shaped RCA. The clinical importance of the shape of RCA in patients with STEMI has not been investigated before. PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic value of RCA shape in patients with inferior STEMI treated with primary PCI. METHODS: Angiographic data of patients with inferior STEMI who were treated with primary PCI were retrospectively recruited. The differentiation of sigma and C-shaped RCAs was shown using single-frame angiograms, obtained during end-diastole of cardiac cycle in the left anterior oblique projection at 25° to 35° with no cranio-caudal angulation. Cardiovascular events at 30-days and on follow up were obtained through review of hospital records and telephone contact with the patient or the patient's relatives. Patients with C-shaped RCAs served as the control group. RESULTS: A total number of 824 patients with inferior STEMI who were treated with primary PCI for RCA were included. Sigma shaped RCA was observed in 15.1% of the subjects. In the sigma shaped RCA group, the door-to-balloon times were longer (32.5 ± 5.1 vs. 27.8 ± 4.6 min; P = 0.01) and TIMI 3 flow restoration rates were lower (76.8% vs. 94.1%; p=0.01) compared to the controls. Mean SYNTAX scores were significantly higher in patients with sigma shaped RCA. Four patients (3.2%) in the sigma shaped RCA group and 23 patients (3.3%) in the control group died by day 30. The incidence of stent thrombosis, recurrent MI, and target lesion revascularization, were similar between the groups. During the follow-up (mean 37.6 ± 13.4 months) 15 patients (12.3%) from the sigma shaped RCA group and 28 (4.1%) patients from the control group died (P = 0.01). The incidence of recurrent MI (27.2% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.01) and major adverse cardiovascular events (29.7% vs. 16.3%; P = 0.01) were significantly higher in the sigma shaped RCA group. In multivariate analysis, age, Killip class of >1, the presence of sigma shaped RCA, post PCI TIMI flow <3 and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction were the independent predictors of long term mortality. CONCLUSION: Presence of sigma shaped RCA is associated with more severe form of coronary artery disease and worse clinical outcome in patients with inferior STEMI.

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function in inferior wall myocardial infarction and angiographic correlation to proximal right coronary artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Presence of right ventricular (RV) infarction imposes a higher risk of adverse events in inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI). In this study, we attempted to correlate various indices of RV function assessed by echocardiography with presence of a proximal right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis in patients with first episode of acute IWMI. METHODS: In a prospective study, patients with first episode of acute IWMI underwent echocardiographic assessment within 24 h of symptom onset and indices of RV function viz. RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), myocardial performance index (MPI) and tissue Doppler velocities from RV free wall were measured. Patients who underwent coronary angiogram (CAG) within one month and they were classified into group 1 and group 2 based on the presence or absence, respectively, of a significant proximal RCA stenosis. RESULTS: There were 90 patients with first episode of IWMI of which 67 patients underwent CAG. There was significant difference between group 1 (n = 26) and group 2 (n = 41) in TAPSE (13.5 ± 1.3 vs 21.3 ± 1.7, p < 0.001), MPI by tissue Doppler (0.87 ± 0.1 vs 0.55 ± 0.2, p < 0.001) and in tissue Doppler systolic velocity from RV free wall (S' 9.8 ± 1.1 vs 15.0 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). There was a good interobserver correlation for TAPSE, MPI by TDI, and S' velocity. TAPSE ≤ 16 (sensitivity 93%, specificity 100%), MPI-TDI ≥ 0.69 (sensitivity 94.7%, specificity 93.5%), S ≤ 12.3 (sensitivity 90.3%, specificity 94.3%) were useful in predicting presence of proximal RCA stenosis. CONCLUSION: RV function indices like TAPSE, MPI-TDI and S' velocity are useful in predicting proximal RCA stenosis in first episode of acute IWMI.

Trends in myocardial infarction rates and case fatality by anatomical location in four United States communities, 1987 to 2008 (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study).

Although the incidence of and mortality after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is decreasing, time trends in anatomical location of STEMI and associated short-term prognosis have not been examined in a population-based community study. We determined 22-year trends in age- and race-adjusted gender-specific incidences and 28-day case fatality of hospitalized STEMI by anatomic infarct location among a stratified random sample of 35- to 74-year-old residents of 4 communities in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. STEMI infarct location was assessed by 12-lead electrocardiograms from the hospital record and was coded as anterior, inferior, lateral, and multilocation STEMIs using the Minnesota code. From 1987 to 2008, a total of 4,845 patients had an incident STEMI; 37.2% were inferior STEMI, 32.8% were anterior, 16.8% occurred in multiple infarct locations, and 13.2% were lateral STEMI. For inferior, anterior, and lateral STEMIs in both men and women, significant decreases were observed in the age-adjusted annual incidence and the associated 28-day case fatality. In contrast, for STEMI in multiple infarct locations, neither the annual incidence nor the 28-day case fatality changed over time. The age- and race-adjusted annual incidence and associated 28-day case fatality of STEMI in anterior, inferior, and lateral infarct locations decreased during 22 years of surveillance; however, no decrease was observed for STEMI in multiple infarct locations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that there is room for improvement in the care of patients with multilocation STEMI.

Risk factors, therapeutic approaches, and in-hospital outcomes in Mexicans with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction: the RENASICA II multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease is a growing health problem in Latin America. We aimed to analyze risk factors, acute management, and short-term outcome of Mexicans with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). HYPOTHESIS: Modifiable risk factors are associated with the occurrence of STEMI in Mexicans, and potentially preventable acute complications are responsible for most short-term deaths. METHODS: Among 8600 patients enrolled in Registro Nacional de los Síndromes Coronarios Agudos II (RENASICA II) with a suspected acute coronary syndrome, we analyzed 4555 patients (56%; age 21-100 y) with confirmed STEMI who presented within 24 hours from symptoms' onset. RESULTS: Smoking (66%), hypertension (50%), and diabetes (43%) were the main risk factors. Most patients (74%) presented with Killip class I (class IV in 4%). Anterior-located STEMI occurred in 56% of cases, and posterior-inferior in 40% of cases. Significant Q waves were present in 43%, right bundle branch block in 7%, left bundle branch block in 5%, first-degree atrioventricular block in 2%, and high-degree atrioventricular block in 2%. A total of 1685 (37%) patients received fibrinolytic therapy (streptokinase, 82%; alteplase, 17%; tenecteplase, 1%), with 31% of patients receiving therapy in <2 hours, 36% in 2-4 hours, 19% in 4-6 hours, and 15% in >6 hours. Thirty percent of patients received either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting during hospitalization. Major adverse cardiovascular events were recurrent ischemia (12%), reinfarction (4%), cardiogenic shock (4%), and stroke (1%). The main predictors of 30-day mortality (10%) in multivariate analysis were age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94-3.13), Killip class IV (OR: 10.60, 95% CI: 6.09-18.40), and cardiogenic shock (OR: 18.76, 95% CI: 10.60-33.20). CONCLUSIONS: Largely modifiable risk factors and preventable short-term complications are responsible for most STEMI cases and outcomes in this Mexican population.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and electrocardiographic variables associated with increased risk of complete atrioventricular block and mortality in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Although brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are shown to be an important prognostic factor in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), the relationship between arrhythmias and BNP levels is not known. This study assessed whether baseline clinical factors, N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP) levels and electrocardiographic patterns of acute inferior MI are associated with greater risk of developing complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-nine consecutive patients (52 male, 27 female with an avarage age of 64.2 ± 10.9 years) with CAVB and 119 control patients (93 male, 16 female with an average age of 57.7 ± 11.4 years) without CAVB were enrolled. Regression analysis revealed that NT-proBNP levels 〉 104 pg/mL increased the development of CAVB by 16.7 folds, 〉 1 mm ST elevation in RV4 by 2.7 folds, ratio of elevation in lead III:II 〉 1.5 by 10.1 folds but the thrombolytic therapy decreased the development of CAVB by 2.8 folds. NT-proBNP 〉 92 pg/mL increased the mortality by 8.9 folds, a ratio of ST-segment elevation in lead III:II 〉 1 by 3.1 folds, ST segment elevation 〉 1 mm in RV4 by 3.5 folds, ejection fraction 〈 35% by 24.2 folds, age 〉 65 years by 8.3 folds and CAVB by 6.8 folds, on contrary thrombolytic treatment decreased the mortality by 3.3 folds. CONCLUSIONS: Simple electrocardiographic measurements and NT-proBNP levels at admission can be used as a screening test for development of complications such as CAVB, right ventricular involvement and mortality during acute inferior wall MI.

Comparison of prognostic outcome between left circumflex artery-related and right coronary artery-related acute inferior wall myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the 30-day clinical outcome of patients with acute inferior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction (AIW-STEMI) from occlusion of the left circumflex artery (LCX) vs the right coronary artery (RCA) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). HYPOTHESIS: The clinical outcomes of AIW-STEMI caused by RCA and LCX occlusion may be different for patients undergoing primary PCI. METHODS: Between May 2002 and September 2009, 646 consecutive patients with AIW-STEMI undergoing primary PCI were enrolled. Of these patients, 520 (80.5%) with AIW-STEMI caused by RCA occlusion were categorized into group 1, whereas the remaining 126 (19.5%) whose AIW-STEMI was caused by LCX occlusion served as group 2. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the frequency of advanced congestive heart failure, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilatory support, and 30-day mortality were remarkably higher in group 2 than in group 1 (all P < 0.01). Conversely, the incidence of right ventricular infarction and complete heart block were notably higher in group 1 than in group 2 (all P < 0.001). Additionally, the peak level of creatine kinase-isoenzyme MB was significantly higher, whereas the left ventricular ejection fraction was notably lower in group 2 than in group 1. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that advanced CHF, high serum creatinine level, low systolic blood pressure, low left ventricular ejection fraction, and LCX as the infarct-related artery were significantly and independently predictive of 30-day mortality (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day prognostic outcome was less favorable in LCX-related AIW-STEMI compared with RCA-related AIW-STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Clinical and angiographic findings of complete atrioventricular block in acute inferior myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: The angiographic findings and prognosis of patients with complete atrioventricular block (AVB) complicating acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI) remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and angiographic findings of 70 consecutive patients with complete AVB were compared with those of 319 patients with inferior MI without AVB (control group) admitted within the same study period. RESULTS: Patients with complete AVB were older (68 +/- 12 vs 63 +/- 13 years; P = 0.004) and clustered with clinical features indicative of larger infarct size, such as right ventricular infarction, cardiogenic shock, or low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The onset of the complete AVB was observed within 24 hours in 62 (88.6%), preceded by second-degree AVB in 26 (37.1%) and the escape QRS complex was wide in 8 (11.4%) patients. In patients with complete AVB, a dominant right coronary artery occlusion was found in >95% of cases and in-hospital mortality was increased (27.1% vs 10.7%; P = 0.000), especially in those with widen QRS escape rhythm (75.0%). Reperfusion therapy had a positive impact on the natural course of complete AVB. CONCLUSIONS: Complete AVB in acute inferior MI was associated with advanced age and larger infarct size. Complete AVB was virtually always caused by dominant right coronary artery occlusion. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher, but improved by reperfusion therapy. No permanent pacemaker is performed at a mean follow-up of 47 months.