Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The natural history of this population with contemporary revascularization and guideline-based medical therapies is poorly defined. We sought to determine the impact of contemporary treatment strategies on LV function and prognosis in patients with MI and severe LV dysfunction.
Methods: Consecutive MI patients were prospectively followed as part of an ongoing internal database. The current report comprises 75 patients with first MI and severe LV systolic dysfunction (EF less than or equal to 3%). Initial demographic and clinical data were collected during hospitalization and at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow up.
Results: Patients were 71% male, 36% diabetic and 51% had prior coronary disease with a mean (+/- SD) age of 65 +/- 14 years. The average hospital stay was 5.7 days for ST-elevation (CPK range 424 to 5,250) and 2.4 days for non-ST-elevation MI (CPK range 175 to 705). Revascularization in-hospital was performed in 87% of patients (62 percutaneous, 3 surgical). At hospital discharge, treatment included beta-blockers (84%), ACE-inhibitors (73%), statins (81%), aspirin (88%) and clopidogrel (84%). Mean (+/- SD) LVEF was 25.7 +/- 5.9% in hospital, 36.6 +/- 11.8% by 1 to 3 months (p < 0.01), and 37.6 +/- 9.3% at 6 months (p < 0.01). By 1 to 3 months, 63% had improved LVEF, 24% were unchanged and 14% were worse. One patient died in the hospital and 3 died by 6-month follow up (mortality 5.3%).
Conclusion: A strategy of early revascularization combined with guideline-based medical management favorably impacts LV function and short-term prognosis in MI patients with severe LV systolic dysfunction. With contemporary treatment strategies, the majority (> 60%) of patients demonstrate improvement in LVEF and mortality is low (5.3%).