GISSI-3 study protocol on the effects of lisinopril, of nitrates, and of their association in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

The role of thrombolysis in the acute phase of myocardial infarction (AMI) has been definitely established in terms of mortality and ventricular function, as has the equivalence of different thrombolytic agents. The Second Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto Miocardico (GISSI-2) trial showed that a large number of patients have either clinical heart failure or severe left ventricular damage on discharge from the hospital, with a large risk of death and poor prospects in terms of quality of life. Additional measures to limit ventricular damage are therefore essential to reducing morbidity. The GISSI-3 study protocol on the effects of lisinopril and nitrates, used alone or in combination, in patients with AMI is described in detail.