Anticardiolipin antibodies in ischaemic heart disease: marker or myth?

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the incidence and significance of anticardiolipin antibodies after myocardial infarction and in unstable angina.

Design: A prospective study of all patients under 60 admitted to the coronary care unit over a 12 month period with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction who were followed up for a further 12 months. Patients admitted with unstable angina were similarly assessed but not followed up. Anticardiolipin antibody concentrations were compared with those of age matched controls.

Setting: A district general hospital.

Patients: 307 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 160 patients with unstable angina.

Results: Anticardiolipin antibody concentrations in the two patient groups did not differ significantly from those in the control groups. Antibody concentrations were not related to a history of angina or myocardial infarction nor were they related to subsequent cardiovascular complications.

Conclusion: This study shows no significant association between anticardiolipin antibody concentrations and either myocardial infarction or unstable angina.