Publication:

Study of cardiac arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction within 48 hours

Background The profile of coronary artery disease is different in India in terms of incidence and risk factors. Indians show higher incidence of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality than other ethnic groups. Majority of deaths in acute myocardial infarction are due to arrhythmias. These would suggest that more aggressive identification and modulation of cardiac arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction is necessary among Asian Indian. This study is undertaken to study the profile of arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction within in 48 hours of hospitalization in our hospital.

Methods This study was conducted in KMCH, Katihar, Bihar, India. A total of 50 (38 males, 12 females) patients admitted to the coronary care unit with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were included to the study. Patients were monitored for 48 hours and pattern of arrhythmias were noted.

Results 38 males and 12 females were studied. 65% of the patients were thrombolysed. Arrhythmia was seen in 78% of the patients. 70% of the arrhythmias occurred during the first hour. 58% of the arrhythmias underwent spontaneous resolution. 23% of the patients had sinus bradycardia.

Conclusions The present study suggests that majority of the patients with acute myocardial infarction had arrhythmias. Sinus bradycardia was the commonest arrhythmia, followed by ventricular premature contractions. However ventricular premature contractions also occurred along with other arrhythmias.