Primary percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis remain therapies of choice for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Clinical outcome in the management of acute STEMI is dependent on myocardial reperfusion time and reperfusion strategies. Optimisation of these strategies should take into consideration logistical limitations of the local medical systems and the various patient profiles. We review the reperfusion strategies and its history in Singapore, comparing its clinical application with that in some developed Western countries.
Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Myocardial Reperfusion ; methods ; Singapore

The objective of the study was to investigate whether the lysosomal enzyme, N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity is increased in plasma of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to determine if there is any association between plasma levels of NAG and severity of myocardial infarction (MI). NAG activity in plasma was monitored in 69 patients with AMI and 135 normal healthy subjects using a spectrofluorimetric method. A modified Aldrich ST elevation score was used to gauge the severity of MI in terms of size of the infarct. Plasma NAG levels in AMI patients and normal healthy subjects were found to be 10.92+/-7.5 U/l and 6.8+/-2.2 U/l, respectively. These two mean value when compared by Student's t-test were significantly different P = 0.0001. No statistically significant differences in NAG activity were observed in patients in terms of gender, age, location of infarct, time from onset of chest pain to blood sampling in the hospital and size of the infarct.
Acetylglucosaminidase/blood/*metabolism ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Human ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/*enzymology/metabolism/physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of spironolactone on left ventricular remodeling (LVRM) in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

METHODSIn this multicentric, randomized, controlled study, spironolactone 40 mg/d was randomly administered in addition to the routine treatment for patients with AMI. During the 6 months the serum PIIINP, BNP and echocardiography were examined in all patients to assess myocardial fibrosis, LV function and volume.

RESULTSA total of 88 AMI patients entered the study came from 4 hospitals in Shijiazhuang. There were 43 patients with anterior MI and 45 with inferior MI. In anterior MI group 23 patients received spironolactone and 20 accepted the routine treatment. In inferior MI group 23 received spironolactone and 22 accepted the routine treatment. In anterior MI group: (1) At 3rd, 6th month PIIINP and BNP serum levels were significantly lower in the spironolactone group compared with those in control group [PIIINP (260.2 +/- 59.9) vs (328.0 +/- 70.3) ng/L, P = 0.001, (197.1 +/- 46.3) vs (266.7 +/- 52.4) ng/L, P < 0.001], [BNP (347.4 +/- 84.0) vs (430.1 +/- 62.9) ng/L, P < 0.001, (243.7 +/- 79.7) vs (334.6 +/- 62.8) ng/L, P < 0.001]; (2) There were smaller LVEDD and LVESD in spironolactone group compared with those in control group after 6 months intervention [(51.0 +/- 5.5) vs (55.6 +/- 4.5) mm, P = 0.005, (35.7 +/- 4.6) vs (39.1 +/- 5.6) mm, P = 0.046]. However, in inferior MI group: (1) There were no significant differences in PIIINP and BNP values between the two groups after 6 months intervention; (2) There were no significant differences in the LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF after 6 months treatment.

CONCLUSION(1) In patients with anterior MI, spironolactone combined with the routine treatment could inhibit myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular dilation and prevent LVRM. (2) In patients with inferior MI, no significant difference in prevention of LVRM was found between the spironolactone combined with the routine treatment and the routine treatment alone.

Female ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Myocardial Revascularization ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Peptide Fragments ; blood ; Procollagen ; blood ; Spironolactone ; therapeutic use ; Ventricular Remodeling ; drug effects

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; physiopathology ; Ventricular Function, Left

OBJECTIVETo assess left ventricular vortex and flow vector features and the relationship between vector flow and left ventricular systolic function in patients with anterior myocardial infarction by echocardiography-derived vector flow mapping (VFM).

METHODSEchocardiography was performed in 31 patients with anterior myocardial infarction and 20 healthy controls. Flow vector and velocity of left ventricle were analyzed on apical 3 chambers view with color Doppler.

RESULTS(1) Left ventricular intracavitary vortex during isovolumic contraction phase could be detected in both groups. Vortex was detectable also during contraction phase and relaxation phase in patients with myocardial infarction. There was no vortex during contraction phase, and there was only small and transit vortex during relaxation phase in control group. (2)Flow vector of apex and middle segments directed to apex and was opposite to that of basal segment of left ventricle in patients with myocardial infarction and in controls [(10.6 ± 8.3) cm/s vs. -(5.8 ± 7.2) cm/s, (19.5 ± 11.8) cm/s vs. -(16.6 ± 14.7) cm/s]. During rapid relaxation phase, the velocity in apex was lower in patients with myocardial infarction than that in control group [(6.8 ± 9.8) cm/s vs. (17.6 ± 15.8) cm/s, P < 0.01]. (3) There was a negative correlation between velocity in apex and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during rapid eject phase in patients with anterior myocardial infarction (r = -0.52, P < 0.05). Velocity in apex of patients with LVEF < 50% was higher than that of patients with LVEF ≥ 50% during rapid eject phase [(13.5 ± 9.0) cm/s vs. (5.8 ± 5.1) cm/s, P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONSVortex period is prolonged in patients with anterior myocardial infarction compared to normal controls during whole cardiac cycle, flow vector of apex and middle segments is directed to apex during eject phase and there is a negative correlation between velocity in apex and LVEF during rapid eject phase in patients with anterior myocardial infarction.

Aged ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Heart Ventricles ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Contraction ; Myocardial Infarction ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Stroke Volume ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVELevels of adrenomedullin (AM), a potent vasodilatory peptide, have been shown to increase in the early stage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The purpose of this study was to determine whether coronary sinus-aortic step-up of mature forms of AM is accelerated in patients with AMI after reperfusion.

METHODSThe subjects were 146 consecutive patients with a first episode of anterior AMI and 51 normal controls. All patients with AMI underwent balloon reperfusion therapy within 24 h after symptom onset. Plasma levels of two molecular forms of AM (an active, mature form [AM-m] and an intermediate, inactive glycine-extended form [AM-Gly]) in the aorta and coronary sinus (CS) were measured by specific immunoradiometric assay after reperfusion.

RESULTSPlasma levels of AM-m and AM-Gly in the aorta and CS were higher in AMI patients than in controls. CS-aortic step-up of AM-m, which is an index of myocardial production of AM-m, was significantly greater in AMI patients than in controls [(1.7 +/- 1.4) pmol/L vs (0.4 +/- 0.3) pmol/L, P < 0.01]. However, there was no significant difference in CS-aortic step-up of AM-Gly (P = 0.30). AMI patients with left ventricular dysfunction (n = 49) had a significantly higher CS-aortic AM-m step-up than AMI patients without left ventricular dysfunction (n = 97). AMm in the aorta and CS negatively correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.50, r = -0.48, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMyocardial synthesis of AM-m is accelerated in patients with reperfused AMI, especially in patients with critical left ventricular dysfunction. Increased myocardial synthesis of active AM may protect against cardiac dysfunction, myocardial remodeling, or both after the onset of AMI.

Adrenomedullin ; blood ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Circulation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Myocardial Reperfusion

Pericarditis and myocarditis are characterised by electrocardiographic changes and elevated cardiac enzymes, respectively, and patients with perimyocarditis often complain of chest discomfort. These findings are nonspecific and often lead to diagnostic difficulties, as ST-elevation myocardial infarction commonly presents in a similar fashion. Clinical differentiation between perimyocarditis and myocardial infarction are especially important because adverse side effects can occur if reperfusion therapy is administered for a patient with acute pericarditis or if a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is missed. We herein describe a case of perimyocarditis with ST elevation and raised cardiac markers, which led to two emergency coronary angiographies that were subsequently found to be normal. We include the three serial electrocardiographies (ECGs) performed to show the characteristic features of perimyocarditis and further discuss the importance of identifying typical and atypical ECG features of pericarditis.
Acute Disease ; Aged ; Biopsy ; Blood Pressure ; Coronary Angiography ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; pathology ; Myocarditis ; diagnosis ; physiopathology

BACKGROUNDThere remains significant debate as to the relationship between fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes on electrocardiogram (ECG) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Few studies have reported on this relationship in non-ST elevated AMI (NSTEMI), and thus, we attempt to assess this relationship and its potential short-term prognostic value.

METHODSThis was a single-center, observational, retrospective cohort study. A total of 513 consecutive patients (399 men, 114 women) with NSTEMI within 24 h who underwent coronary angiography at our department, between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of fQRS complex on the admission ECG. fQRS complexes were defined as the existence of an additional R' or crochetage wave, notching in the nadir of the S wave, RS fragmentation, or QS complexes on 2 contiguous leads. All patients were followed up for 6 months, and all major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded.

RESULTSIn this study, there were 285 patients with fQRS ECG in the 513 patients with NSTEMI. The number of patients with 0-2 coronary arteries narrowed by ≥50% in fQRS group were less while patients with 3 narrowed arteries were more than in the non-fQRS group (P = 0.042). There were fewer Killip Class I patients in the fQRS group (P = 0.019), while Killip Class II, III, and IV patients were more in the fQRS group than in the non-fQRS group (P = 0.019). Left ventricular ejection fraction levels were significantly lower in the fQRS group (P = 0.021). Baseline total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, creatinine, creatine kinase, homocysteine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and red blood cells distribution width levels were significantly higher in the fQRS group. Total MACE (MACE, P = 0.028), revascularization (P = 0.005), and recurrent angina (P = 0.005) were also significantly greater in the fQRS group. On final logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for baseline variables, the following variables were independent predictors of fQRS: Coronary artery narrowing (P = 0.035), Killip classification (P = 0.026), and total cholesterol (P = 0.002). The following variables were found to be independent predictors of preoperative MACE: Hemoglobin (P = 0.000), gender (P = 0.026), fQRS (P = 0.016), and time from myocardial infarction to balloon or coronary artery bypasses grafting (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONSThe fQRS complexes are commonly present in NSTEMI and the fQRS complexes are an independent predictor of MACE in NSTEMI patients. The number of narrowed coronary arteries, Killip classification, and total cholesterol are all independent predictors of the fQRS complexes.

Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; physiopathology ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo summarize current understanding of the roles of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory mechanisms in the development of atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome and to postulate the novel concept of inflammation stress as the most important factor triggering acute coronary syndrome. Moreover, markers of inflammation stress and ways to block involved pathways are elucidated.

DATA SOURCESA literature search (MEDLINE 1997 to 2002) was performed using the key words "inflammation and cardiovascular disease". Relevant book chapters were also reviewed.

STUDY SELECTIONWell-controlled, prospective landmark studies and review articles on inflammation and acute coronary syndrome were selected.

DATA EXTRACTIONData and conclusions from the selected articles providing solid evidence to elucidate the mechanisms of inflammation and acute coronary syndrome were extracted and interpreted in the light of our own clinical and basic research.

DATA SYNTHESISInflammation is closely linked to atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome. Chronic and long-lasting inflammation stress, present both systemically or in the vascular walls, can trigger acute coronary syndrome.

CONCLUSIONSInflammation stress plays an important role in the process of acute coronary syndrome. Drugs which can modulate the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory processes and attenuate inflammation stress, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, statins, and cytokine antagonists may play active roles in the prevention and treatment of acute coronary syndrome when used in addition to conventional therapies (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, mechanical intervention strategies, etc).

Angina Pectoris ; etiology ; Arteriosclerosis ; etiology ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Blood Vessels ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Inflammation ; complications ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Myocardial Infarction ; etiology ; Stress, Physiological ; complications ; Syndrome

BACKGROUNDHyperglycemia has been shown to be a powerful predictor of poor outcome after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of admission glucose on microvascular flow after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with STEMI.

METHODSSuccessful primary PCI was performed in 267 patients with STEMI. The maximum ST elevation of single electrocardiogram (ECG) lead before and 60 minutes after PCI was measured, and patients were then divided into 3 groups according to the degree of ST-segment resolution (STR): absent (<30%), partial (30% to 70%) or complete (> or =70%).

RESULTSOf the 267 patients, 48 (18.0%) had absent STR, 137 (51.3%) experienced partial STR, and 82 (30.7%) had complete STR. The degree of STR decreased with increasing admission glucose levels (P=0.032), and patients with hyperglycemia (serum glucose level > or =11 mmol/L) were more likely to have absent STR (P=0.001). Moreover,hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of incomplete STR (odds ratio, 1.870; 95% confidence interval, 1.038 to 3.371, P=0.037).

CONCLUSIONSHyperglycemia on admission is associated with abnormal coronary microvascular reperfusion in patients with STEMI after successful primary PCI, which may contribute, at least in part, to the poor outcomes in these patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; methods ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; blood ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Odds Ratio