Silent myocardial ischemia after myocardial infarction: severity of coronary artery disease, impact on left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and prognosis

Abstract

The aim of the present study was assessment of the relationship of silent myocardial ischemia with clinical, coronary angiography findings, and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and its prognostic significance in patients early after myocardial infarction. One hundred nineteen male patients (mean age 48.2+/-1.2 years) with first Q wave myocardial infarction entered the study. Routine coronary angiography, 24-hour Holter electrocardiographic recordings, and two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography with assessment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were performed in all the patients. Prospective follow-up was done during 1 year. Patients with signs of silent myocardial ischemia early after myocardial infarction had more severe coronary artery disease, pronounced disturbances of left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance, and adverse prognosis than those without ischemia appearance during Holter recordings.