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[Carotid parameters measured by ultrasonography as a marker of atherothrombotic infarction and lacunar infarction in high risk elderly people].

AIM: Many studies have reported that carotid parameters measured by ultrasonography were predictors for stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate by cross-sectional study in elderly people having cardiovascular risk factors whether those carotid parameters are markers for atherothrombotic infarction (AI) and lacunar infarction (LI). METHODS: Subjects of this study were 314 patients aged 65 years or older who had controlled cardiovascular risk factors and assessed carotid artery by ultrasonography. Subjects were categorized into control, AI and LI group. Clinical characteristics (biochemical analysis, body mass index, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, smoking habits, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and statin therapy) and carotid parameters (maximum intima-media thickness (Max-IMT), plaque score (PLQ-S) and Maximum pulsatility index (Max-PI)) were compared among three groups. RESULTS: PLQ-S, Max-PI, frequency of PLQ-S > or = 10mm and frequency of Max-PI > or = 2.0 in the AI group were significantly higher than in the control group. There were no significant differences between control and LI group concerning those carotid parameters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there were significant correlations between AI and PLQ-S > or = 10mm (odds ratio 2.980; P = 0.011), AI and Max-PI > or = 2.0 (odds ratio 2.458; P = 0.038), but there was no significant correlation between those carotid parameters and LI. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that in high risk elderly people, PLQ-S and PI are better markers for AI than IMT, but those carotid parameters have poor associations with LI.

Aged↗

Myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction in a Danish suburban community.

A comparison was made of 485 cases of cerebral infarction (CI), registered prospectively in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, with 495 cases of myocardial infarction (AMI), recorded retrospectively in the same population. The overall annual incidence of AMI was 6.5 per 1,000 population for males, 3.8 for females; the rates for CI were 2.4 and 2.5, respectively. The age-incidence curves, particularly those for AMI, were significantly steeper in the females than in the males. Correspondingly, the male predominance in the AMI-group subsided with age. Age-specific incidence-rates rose exponentially with advancing age; for each sex and diagnosis the relationship can thus be expressed as a simple mathematical formula, which may facilitate comparisons of incidence patterns in different communities. Theories explaining the similarities and differences of the age-incidence curves for AMI and CI are discussed.

Adult↗

Duration of, and temporal trends (1994-1997) in, prehospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction: the second National Registry of Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Extent of delay in seeking medical care in persons with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is receiving increasing attention, given the time-dependent benefits associated with early administration of coronary reperfusion therapy. OBJECTIVE: To examine recent data, and temporal trends therein, about duration of prehospital delay in a large (N = 364,131) cross-sectional sample of patients included in the second National Registry of Myocardial Infarction. METHODS: The medical records of patients hospitalized with AMI in 1624 US hospitals from June 1, 1994, to October 31, 1997, were reviewed for information about duration of prehospital delay. RESULTS: There was evidence of a slight decline in average delay times in patients hospitalized in 1997 (5.5 hours) compared with those hospitalized in 1994 (5.7 hours). Median delay times (2.1 hours) did not change. Approximately 20% of patients presented to the hospital within 1 hour of acute symptom onset, and slightly more than two thirds presented within 4 hours. Delay times were more prolonged for older patients, women, nonwhite patients, and patients with a history of diabetes or hypertension vs respective comparison groups. Patients in cardiogenic shock exhibited shorter delay times than less severely ill patients. Patients with previous AMI or who had undergone previous coronary angioplasty presented to the hospital with shorter delay times, as did individuals hospitalized in the Mountain and Pacific regions. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide insights into recent delay times and into groups at risk for prolonged delay.

Aged↗

Primary stenting in nonselected patients with acute myocardial infarction: the Multilink Duet in Acute Myocardial Infarction (MIAMI) trial.

Most randomized trials comparing primary stenting with primary coronary angioplasty (PTCA) excluded patients at high risk from enrollment, thus arising the important question about the generalizability of the randomized trial results to all patients with AMI. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a primary infarct-related artery (IRA) stenting strategy using a second-generation tubular stent in nonselected patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). All patients with AMI were considered eligible for primary IRA stenting. No restriction was made based on age or clinical status on presentation, or coronary anatomy, except in cases of a reference IRA diameter < 2.5 mm. The primary endpoint of the study was clinical target vessel failure defined as death, reinfarction, or repeat TVR due to restenosis or reocclusion of the IRA. Between June 1998 and March 1999, 201 consecutive patients with AMI underwent mechanical recanalization of the IRA. The mean age was 64 +/- 12, and 16% of patients were aged 75 years or over. The incidence of shock was 9%. Primary IRA stenting was performed in 89% of the patients. Patients who underwent PTCA alone had a smaller IRA diameter as compared to patients with a stented IRA (2.48 +/- 0.46 mm vs. 3.15 +/- 0.37 mm; P < 0.001). There were no stent deployment failures. The 6-month primary endpoint rate was 15% (2 deaths, 27 repeat TVR, 0 reinfarctions), while the 6-month angiographic restenosis rate was 22%. Primary IRA stenting in nonselected patients with AMI is highly feasible and associated with favorable clinical and angiographic outcomes. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 51:273-279, 2000.

Adult↗

Mechanical left ventricular unloading prior to reperfusion reduces infarct size in a canine infarction model.

We tested the hypothesis that unloading the left ventricle just prior to reperfusion provides infarct size reduction compared with left ventricular (LV) unloading postreperfusion and reperfusion alone. Twenty-four mongrel dogs were subjected to 2 hr of left anterior descending artery occlusion and 4 hr of reperfusion. A transvalvular (TV) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was inserted just prior to reperfusion and maintained during the rest of the experiment (LV Assist Pre group). In the LV Assist Post group, the TV LVAD was inserted and activated just after reperfusion. A control group was subjected to reperfusion alone with a sham-TV LVAD. At baseline, the hemodynamic data were similar in the three groups. Myocardial infarct size expressed as percentage of area at risk was significantly reduced in the LV Assist Pre group compared to the control group (P = 0.011) and to the LV Assist Post group (P < 0.05). At 4 hr of reperfusion, transmural myocardial blood flow in the ischemic zone was slightly higher in the animals unloaded prior to reperfusion compared to controls and significantly higher than in the LV Assist Post group (P = 0.04). Postreperfusion end-diastolic wall thickness returned to baseline level in the TV LV Assist Pre group compared to both controls and TV LV Assist Post group. In these latter two groups, a significant increase in postreperfusion end-diastolic wall thickness and contraction band necrosis in the central ischemic zone correlated well with the degree of reperfusion injury. LV unloading prior to, but not after, reperfusion reduces the extent of myocardial necrosis in canine hearts subjected to 2 hr of left anterior descending artery occlusion and 4 hr of reperfusion compared to either reperfusion alone or LV unloading after reperfusion.

Analysis of Variance↗

QT-interval dispersion in acute myocardial infarction is only shortened by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 2/3 reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Increased QT interval dispersion (QTd) has been found in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In previous studies this has been shown to decrease with thrombolysis. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of reperfusion by primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and by thrombolysis on QTd and correlate these results with the degree of reperfusion. METHODS: We studied 60 patients with a first AMI. The study cohort included 40 consecutive patients who had received thrombolysis (streptokinase or rt-PA); 20 additional consecutive patients with successful primary PTCA, all with preselected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow by predefined selection criteria (12 stents); and 20 controls. A 12-lead ECG for QTd calculation was recorded before thrombolysis or PTCA and immediately after the procedure. All values were corrected according to Bazett's formula (QTcd). QTd and QTcd values before and after each procedure in three groups and the respective percent changes of deltaQTd and deltaQTcd were compared separately. RESULTS: QTd and QTcd were significantly increased before thrombolysis/PTCA versus normals. An angiogram performed after thrombolysis showed adequate reperfusion (TIMI grade 2/3) in 20 patients, while in the other 20 only TIMI 0/1 reperfusion was achieved. Thrombolysis-TIMI flow 2/3 and PTCA significantly reduced QTd (from 68 +/- 10 to 35 +/- 8 ms, p < 0.001, deltaQTd = 48 +/- 11%, in the Thr-TIMI flow 2/3 group,and from 79 +/- 11 to 38 +/- 9 ms, p < 0.001, deltaQTd = 52 +/- 9%, in the PTCA group), while in the Thr-TIMI flow 0/1 group no significant changes were recorded. A percent QTd decrease > 30 s had 96% sensitivity, 85% specificity, and 93% positive and 94% negative predictive value, respectively, for TIMI 2/3 flow. CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in QT dispersion may provide an additional electrocardiographic index for successful (TIMI 2/3) reperfusion.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Myocardial infarction and the weather: a significant positive correlation between the onset of heart infarct and 28 KHz atmospherics--a pilot study.

The date of occurrence of a heart infarct was tabulated for 162 patients admitted to four Munich clinics with cardiology departments from January 1 to July 31, 1981. This occurrence calendar was correlated with the daily average density of 28 KHz and 10 KHz atmospheric (atm) impulses and several classic weather parameters. The occurrence of heart infarcts has a certain positive correlation with the increased appearance of "pure" 28 KHz impulses, the correlation with 10 KHz impulses is very slight. Among the classic weather parameters, the average daily humidity has the highest negative correlation coefficient.

Aged↗

Appearance of T-wave inversions without raised serum enzyme activity in suspected acute myocardial infarction: clinical outcome in relation to subendocardial infarction.

In 67 patients with a clinical history of suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI) who developed T-wave inversions in standard ECG and had normal serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (possible MI) the clinical outcome was compared with that in patients fulfilling criteria for subendocardial infarction. Patients with possible MI had a lower mortality (p = 0.02) and also a lower reinfarction rate (p = 0.14) during the first 2 years as compared with those with subendocardial MI. Although patients with subendocardial MI had more problems with chest pain in the acute phase, angina pectoris occurred more frequently in patients with possible MI during a longer follow-up period. Congestive heart failure occurred more frequently in patients with subendocardial MI during initial hospitalization, whereas treatment for heart failure appeared similar in the two groups during a longer follow-up time. We conclude that the clinical course in patients with possible MI, here defined as chest pain and appearance of T-wave inversions without elevation of serum enzyme activity, seems to differ from that in patients with subendocardial MI, particularly regarding long-term survival and incidence of angina pectoris.

Adult↗

Identification of patients prone to infarct expansion by the degree of regional shape distortion on an early two-dimensional echocardiogram after myocardial infarction.

Early detection of potential expanders (patients who develop clinically significant infarct expansion with acute left ventricular (LV) dilatation and failure but no necrosis) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is necessary in order to apply preventive therapy. To determine whether the degree of regional shape distortion (RSD), or dilatation, on early two-dimensional echocardiogram (2-D echo) after AMI can identify potential expanders, serial clinical and echocardiographic data were studied prospectively in 244 consecutive patients with a first Q-wave AMI. Initial (mean 2 days) and final (mean 10 days) two-dimensional echocardiograms were compared for regional LV asynergy, RSD, and conventional indices of expansion measured on endocardial diastolic outlines of mid-LV short-axis sections. Analysis of clinical and 2-D echo data revealed 51 expanders and 193 nonexpanders. Expanders showed greater LV dysfunction and more inhospital deaths (27% vs. 8%, p less than 0.001) compared with nonexpanders; conventional indices of expansion showed more marked increase between initial and final two-dimensional echo in expanders, but initial indices were not predictive. In contrast, the new RSD index Pk, a measure of the outward bulge, was markedly greater in expanders than nonexpanders on both initial (16.5 vs. 2.4 mm, p less than 0.001) and final echo. Furthermore, expanders with greater than or equal to 30% increase in Pk (to 21 mm) developed rupture of the ventricular septum (n = 10) or free wall (n = 2). Also, 50 of 51 expanders compared with 3 of 193 nonexpanders had a Pk greater than or equal to 10 mm on the initial echo. A simpler index, the depth of RSD (rd), provided similar discrimination as Pk. Thus, the degree of diastolic RSD on an early 2-D echo after AMI can identify potential expanders.

Adult↗

Ventricular arrhythmias in patients recovering from myocardial infarction: do residual myocardial ischemia and anti-ischemic medical intervention influence the one-month prevalence? The Danish Study Group on Verapamil in Myocardial Infarction.

The relationship between myocardial ischemia revealed by exercise testing and ventricular arrhythmias on Holter monitoring, and the effect of anti-ischemic intervention on the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with residual ischemia were studied in 125 patients recovering from myocardial infarction. Prior to discharge exercise testing and 24-h Holter monitoring were carried out. In patients with ST-segment depression (n = 34), ventricular arrhythmias on Holter monitoring were seen in 7 (21%) compared with 20 (22%) patients without ST-segment depression (NS). Patients were hereafter double-blindly randomized to intervention with verapamil (n = 63) or placebo (n = 62). One month after discharge, 24-h Holter monitoring was repeated. In the verapamil group ventricular arrhythmias increased from 25 to 33% (NS). In the placebo group the figures were 18 and 27%, respectively (NS). In patients with ST-segment depression and verapamil treatment, the prevalence increased from 25 to 38% (NS). In the placebo group the figures were 17 and 22%, respectively (NS). The differences between the groups were not significant. A significantly increased prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias was found in patients with either heart failure or non-Q-wave infarct. In these patients myocardial ischemia during exercise did not correlate with ventricular arrhythmias either. ST-segment depression during pre-discharge exercise testing correlated with neither the prevalence nor the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, and anti-ischemic intervention with verapamil did not influence the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in both patients with and without myocardial ischemia.

Aged↗

Prognostic implications of ventricular ectopy one week, one month, and sixteen months after an acute myocardial infarction. Danish Study Group on Verapamil in Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular ectopy early after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has previously been demonstrated to predict mortality. Less information is available about the prognostic implications of ventricular ectopy occurring late after an AMI, and no information is available about the prognostic implication of the development of ventricular ectopy during the first year after an AMI. HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the present prospectively conducted trial, a part of the Danish Verapamil Infarction Trial II (DAVIT II), was to evaluate the prognostic implication of (1) ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) recorded by 24-h Holter monitoring 1 week, 1 month, and 16 months after an AMI; and (2) development of > 10 VPCs/h or of any complex ventricular ectopy, that is, pairs, more than two types of VPCs, ventricular tachycardia, or > 10 VPCs/h during follow-up after an AMI. METHODS: Patients were monitored 1 week (n = 250), 1 month (n = 210), and 16 months (n = 201) after AMI. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses based on history, clinical findings, and ventricular ectopy showed the following results: After 1 week, > 10 VPCs/h (p = 0.0006) and heart failure (p < 0.007); after 1 month, > 10 VPCs/h (p = 0.003) and resting heart rate (p < 0.02); and after 16 months, ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.002) independently predicted long-term mortality. Mortality was significantly predicted by the development of > 10 VPCs/h from 1 week to 1 month (p = 0.003) and 16 months (p = 0.03), and from 1 to 16 months (p = 0.007) after AMI, as well as by the development of any complex ventricular ectopy from 1 week to 1 month (p = 0.02) and 16 months (p = 0.01), and from 1 to 16 months (p = 0.04) after AMI. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that 1 week and 1 month after an AMI the quantity of VPCs, that is, > 10 VPCs/h, predicted mortality, whereas 16 months after an AMI the quality of VPCs, that is, ventricular tachycardia, predicted mortality.

Aged↗

Differences in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy. Maximal Individual Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction (MITRA) Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the differences in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with primary angioplasty or intravenous thrombolysis in clinical practice. METHODS: In all, 5,906 patients with AMI were registered by the Maximal Individual Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction (MITRA) study. Of these, 491 (8.3%) patients were treated with primary angioplasty and 2,817 (47.7%) with intravenous thrombolysis. RESULTS: There were only minor differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Prehospital delay time (median) was longer in the angioplasty group than in the thrombolysis group (161 vs. 120, p = 0.001), as was door-to-treatment time (88 vs. 30 min; p = 0.001). Patients treated with primary angioplasty more often had contraindications for thrombolytic therapy (12.9 vs. 6%, p = 0.001) and received beta blockers (65 vs. 58.1%, p = 0.004), heparin (98.2 vs. 91.6%, p = 0.001), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (64.8 vs. 50%, p = 0.001) and "optimal" concomitant medication (56.4 vs. 42.9%, p = 0.001) more often. Univariate analysis showed a significant lower incidence of heart failure (5.3 vs. 16.5%, p = 0.001), postinfarct angina (7.3 vs. 16.4%, p = 0.001), in-hospital death (7.9 vs. 11.7%, p = 0.015) and the combined end point (21.6 vs. 40.3%, p = 0.001) in these patients. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed optimal concomitant medication [odds ratio (OR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.98) and the type of revascularization (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.58-0.73) to be associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of the combined end point. Similar results were obtained in all predefined subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, patients treated with primary angioplasty are more often treated with beta blockers and ACE inhibitors than patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Thus, the selection of patients and the type of revascularization contributes to the reduction in mortality, overt heart failure, and postinfarct angina in these patients.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

The association between the on-site availability of cardiac procedures and the utilization of those services for acute myocardial infarction by payer group. The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 2 Investigators.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have suggested that in-hospital availability may be an important determinant for the use of invasive cardiac services; however, whether this association is influenced by payer status remains unclear. HYPOTHESIS: The interaction of payer status and the on-site availability of coronary arteriography is associated with increased utilization of this procedure. METHODS: In-hospital availability and utilization of coronary arteriography was ascertained in 275,046 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 2 from June 1994 to April 1996. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between the on-site availability of cardiac catheterization at the initial hospital and subsequent utilization of coronary arteriography. Similar analyses were performed within Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), and Uninsured payer groups. RESULTS: Patients initially admitted to hospitals having on-site cardiac catheterization facilities were almost twice as likely to receive coronary arteriography as patients admitted to hospitals without such facilities and later transferred out [un-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66-1.73, p < 0.0001; adjusted OR = 2.08, 95% CI 2.01-2.15, p < 0.0001]. Furthermore, this relationship of increased utilization with greater availability was evident within each payer group, but was highest among those with Commercial insurance and lowest among Medicaid recipients: [Commercial insurance (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 2.07-2.31, p < 0.0001); Uninsured (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.57-1.92, p < 0.0001); HMO (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.54-1.82, p < 0.0001); Medicare 1.60, 95% CI 1.55-1.64, p < 0.0001); Medicaid (1.46, 95% CI 1.29-1.65, p < 0.0001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a strong association between in-hospital availability and subsequent utilization of invasive cardiac procedures following AMI among all patients, but the strength of these associations varied among payer status.

Cardiac Care Facilities↗

Severity of residual stenosis of infarct-related lesion and left ventricular function after single-vessel anterior wall myocardial infarction: implication of ST-segment elevation in lead aVL of the admission electrocardiograms.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the severity of chronic-phase stenosis of infarct-related lesions (IRLs) and chronic left ventricular function in anterior acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) has not been adequately investigated. HYPOTHESIS: This study investigated whether ST elevation in lead aVL of admission electrocardiogram (ECG) would be a determinant factor of the relationship between the severity of stenosis of the IRL and chronic left ventricular function after anterior wall AMI. METHODS: One month after AMI, the IRL was evaluated by coronary angiography in 98 patients with anterior AMI, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined using multigated radionuclide angiocardiography. Patients were classified according to the severity of the IRL: patients with 100% occlusion (Group O), patients with 90 to 99% stenosis (Group H), and patients with < or =75% stenosis (Group L). Patients with ST elevation > or =0.1 mV in the aVL lead on their admission ECG were included in the ST-elevation group, and those with ST elevation <0.1 mV were included in the non-ST-elevation group. RESULTS: The LVEF was greater in the non-ST-elevation group than in the ST-elevation group (p<0.0001), and the LVEF in a whole group as follows: Group L LVEF>Group H LVEF>Group O LVEF (p = 0.0160). In the ST-elevation group, LVEF was higher in Group L than in the other groups (p = 0.0251). There were three independent predictors of a reduced LVEF: ST-elevation in aVL [odds ratio (OR): 3.38, p = 0.0044], IRL stenosis > or =90% (OR: 2.90, p = 0.0044), and the IRL occurring in the left anterior descending artery proximal to the first diagonal branch (OR: 6.31, p = 0.0024). CONCLUSION: Left ventricular function was preserved, regardless of the severity of residual stenosis, in patients without ST elevation in aVL if the IRL was not totally occluded. In patients with ST elevation in aVL, LVEF was lower in patients with more severe stenosis, even if the IRL was patent.

Adult↗

In-hospital mortality of elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction: data from the MITRA (Maximal Individual Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction) registry.

BACKGROUND: Advanced age remains one of the principal determinants of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine the in-hospital outcome of elderly (> 75 years) patients with AMI who were admitted to hospitals participating in the national MITRA (Maximal Individual Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction) registry. METHODS: MITRA is a prospective, observational German multicenter registry investigating current treatment modalities for patients presenting with AMI. All patients with AMI admitted within 96 h of onset of symptoms were included in the MITRA registry. MITRA was started in June 1994 and ended in January 1997. This registry comprises 6,067 consecutive patients with a mean age of 65 +/- 12 years, of whom 1,430 (17%) were aged > 75 years. Patients were compared with respect to patient characteristics, prehospital delays, early treatment strategies, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: In the elderly patient population, the prehospital delay was 210 min, which was significantly longer than that for younger patients (155 min, p = 0.001). Although the incidence of potential contraindications for the initiation of thrombolysis was almost equally distributed between the two age groups (8.7 vs. 8.2%, p = NS), elderly patients (> 75 years) received reperfusion therapy less frequently (35.9 vs. 64.6%) than younger patients. Mortality increased with advanced age and was 26.4% for all patients aged > 75 years. If reperfusion therapy was initiated, in-hospital mortality was 21.8 versus 28.9% in patients aged > 75 years (p = 0.001) and 29.4 versus 38.5% in patients aged > 85 years (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this registry, elderly patients with AMI had a much higher in-hospital mortality than that expected from randomized trials. In MITRA, the mortality reduction with reperfusion therapy was found to be highest in the very elderly patient population.

Age Factors↗

A population-based evaluation of the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score for unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score (TIMI-RS) for unstable angina/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) was developed in patients presenting with unstable angina accompanied by high-risk features or non-ST elevation MI to determine early risk stratification. HYPOTHESIS: The validity in patients presenting for emergency care with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been well established, and the present study sought to do so by evaluating the TIMI-RS in a prospective fashion. METHODS: A prospective TIMI-RS using seven variables was calculated in 245 patients admitted to the hospital with symptoms suggestive of ACS: (1) age > 65, (2) three or more cardiac risk factors, (3) ST deviation, (4) aspirin use within 7 days, (5) two or more anginal events over 24 h, (6) history of coronary stenosis, and (7) elevated troponin. Patients were contacted at 30 days and data were collected concerning major adverse cardiac events. RESULTS: In patients presenting with chest pain, a higher TIMI-RS was associated with an increase in major adverse cardiac events within 30 days. We found that the 30-day event rate was 0% for a score of 1, 20% for a score of 2, 24% for a score of 3, 42% for a score of 4, 52% for a score of 5, and 70% for a score of 6 or 7 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The TIMI-RS successfully differentiates early risk for major adverse cardiac events in a general population presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome. A simple bedside calculation of the TIMI-RS provides rapid risk stratification, allowing facilitation of therapeutic decision making in patients with symptoms suggestive of ACS.

Aged↗

Importance of a history of hypertension for the prognosis after acute myocardial infarction--for the Bucindolol Evaluation in Acute myocardial infarction Trial (BEAT) study group.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The prognosis for hypertensive patients after acute myocardial infarction (MI) is uncertain because of the sparse and somewhat contradictionary data. HYPOTHESIS: Our study aimed to investigate the importance of hypertension to prognosis after an MI in patients receiving contemporary medical therapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study using a large register from the Bucindolol Evaluation in Acute myocardial infarction Trial (BEAT). The register comprised 3,326 patients admitted between June 1998 and August 1999 with an enzyme-verified MI to 33 Danish coronary care units. Hypertension was considered present when a previous diagnosis of hypertension was accompanied by relevant medical therapy. Survival information for all patients was obtained in January 2002. RESULTS: Of the 3,326 patients studied, 825 were hypertensive. Overall, 28.4% had died by January 2002. The unadjusted hazard ratio associated with hypertension was 1.2 (95% confidence limit [CI] 1.1-1.4, p = 0.004). Hypertensive patients were older, and after adjustment for age the hazard ratio associated with hypertension was 1.04 (CI 0.9-1.2, p = 0.6). Adjustment for further covariates did not change the result. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that after an acute MI the survival rate of patients with and without a history of hypertension was identical when they received contemporary medical therapy.

Adult↗

Value of contrast-enhanced, balanced cine-MR sequences in the assessment of apparent infarct size after acute myocardial infarction: a prospective comparison with delayed-enhancement sequences.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced (CE) delayed cine steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences in the assessment of apparent infarct size after acute myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced (CE) balanced cine-SSFP sequences were compared with delayed-enhancement (DE) T1 sequences for their ability to detect segmental abnormal enhancement in 29 consecutive patients with recent successfully reperfused acute MI. RESULTS: The extent of myocardial involvement revealed by postcontrast cine-SSFP sequences and DE images was closely correlated (Spearman r = 0.86, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two sequences in assessing subendocardial or transmural involvement. CONCLUSION: In addition to DE sequences, CE cine-SSFP sequences should play a role in assessing necrotic and jeopardized myocardium after acute MI.

Adult↗