Publication:

Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with acute coronary syndrome as a risk factor for mortality

Background The study aimed to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as the risk factor for mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods This was an observational, single centre study. The patients who were admitted at tertiary care centre in India during the period February 2014 to June 2015 who were diagnosed with ACS were included in the study. The patients were evaluated by dividing into two groups based on LVEF. The patients were followed up to 1 year.

Results Total 100 patients were included in the study. Chest pain was the most prevalent complaint (60%). Seventy patients presented with STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) and 30 with NSTEMI (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). Seventy five patients had ejection fraction ≥40% and 25 patients had reduced ejection fraction. Reduced LVEF did not show any statistical difference in patients with presentation as STEMI and NSTEMI or need for revascularisation. At year follow up, total 9 patients died. However, reduced LVEF led to statistically higher deaths (p<0.05%).

Conclusions In our study it was observed that patients with ACS complicated by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction have a markedly increased short- and long-term mortality rates compared to ACS patients without heart failure.