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Introduction and Objectives: Myocardial infarction (MI) incidence and case fatality trends are highly informative but relatively untested at the population level. The objective of this work was to estimate MI incidence and case fatality in the Girona population aged 35-74 years, and to determine their 30-year trends (1990-2019)., Methods: The REGICOR (Girona Heart Registry) monitored MI incidence and case fatality rates from 1990 to 2008. For the period 2008 to 2019, we linked discharges from Girona hospitals (n=4 974 977) and mortality registry (n=70 405) during this period. Our linkage algorithm selected key MI diagnostic codes and removed duplicates. Estimates from the linkage algorithm and the REGICOR registry were compared using chi-square tests for overlapping years (2008-2009). We estimated the annual percent change (APC) of standardized MI incidence and 28-day case fatality, and analyzed their trends using joinpoint regression., Results: MI incidence and case fatality estimates were similar in the linkage algorithm and the REGICOR registry. We observed significant decreasing trends in the incidence of MI. The trend was APC, -0.96% (95% confidence interval (95%CI), -1.4 to -0.53) in women from 1990 to 2019 and -4.2% (95%CI, -5.5 to -3.0) in men from 1994 to 2019. The largest decrease in case fatality was -3.8% (95%CI, -5.1 to -2.5) from 1995 to 2003 in women and -2.4% (95%CI, -2.9 to -1.9) from 1995 to 2004 in men, mainly due to prehospital case fatality declines: -1.8% (95%CI, -2.6 to -1.1) in men and -3.2% (95%CI, -4.6 to -1.8) in women., Conclusions: In Girona, MI incidence and case fatality decreased between 1990 and 2019. The incidence showed a slow but continuous decrease while case fatality only stabilized in the last decade, particularly in women., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most serious manifestation of coronary heart disease. The Infarction Code (according to its initialism in Spanish, CI: Código Infarto) program aims to improve the care of these patients., Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of CI program in a coronary care unit (CCU)., Material and Methods: A database of a CCU with 5 years of consecutive records was analyzed. Patients diagnosed with ACS were included. The groups with acute myocardial infarction with and without ST-segment elevation were compared using Student's t, Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests. We calculated the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of cardiovascular risk factors for mortality., Results: A total of 4678 subjects were analyzed, 78.7% men, mean age 63 years (± 10.7). 80.76% presented acute myocardial infarction with positive ST-segment elevation and fibrinolytic was granted in 60.8% of cases. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 81.4% of patients, which was successful in 82.5% of events. Patients classified as CI presented mortality of 6.8% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.001. Invasive mechanical ventilation had an RR of 26.58 (95% CI: 20.61-34.3) and circulatory shock an RR of 20.86 (95% CI: 16.16-26.93)., Conclusions: The CI program decreased mortality by 4.9%. Early fibrinolysis and successful coronary angiography are protective factors for mortality within CCU., (Licencia CC 4.0 (BY-NC-ND) © 2024 Revista Médica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.)

Introduction: Currently the patient is defined as an older adult (OA) when the age is at least 60 years. Given the long life expectancy, it is interesting to evaluate whether all OAs with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are equal. The objectives were to know the prevalence of OA in AMI and within them, that of those ≥75 years of age and to analyze characteristics, reperfusion treatments and in-hospital mortality according to whether they are < or ≥ 75 years of age., Methods: OA patients admitted to the National Registry of Infarction with ST segment elevation (ARGENIAM-ST) were analyzed. They were divided into group 1: 60-74 years old and group 2: ≥ 75 years old and compared with each other., Results: 3626 AM, 75.9% from Group 1, the rest from Group 2. In group 2 there were more women, hypertensive and with a history of coronary arteries. There was a similar percentage of diabetes and dyslipidemia, but fewer of smokers. In Group 2, less reperfusion treatment was used (although more primary angioplasty), with similar door-to-balloon time. Patients in Group 2 received fewer medications of proven efficacy and in the hospital course, they had more bleeding (although not major), more heart failure and more mortality: 18.3% vs. 9.4%, p<0.001. Age ≥75 years was an independent predictor of mortality., Conclusions: one in four patients with AMI is over 75 years old; they receive less reperfusion, have more heart failure, bleeding and twice the mortality rate than patients between 60 and 74 years.

Introduction and Objectives: Despite advances in treatment, patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) still exhibit unfavorable short- and long-term prognoses. In addition, there is scant evidence about the clinical outcomes of patients with AMI and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, complications, and risk factors for mortality in patients admitted for AMI during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: This prospective, multicenter, cohort study included all consecutive patients with AMI who underwent coronary angiography in a 30-day period corresponding chronologically with the COVID-19 outbreak (March 15 to April 15, 2020). Clinical presentations and outcomes were compared between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. The effect of COVID-19 on mortality was assessed by propensity score matching and with a multivariate logistic regression model., Results: In total, 187 patients were admitted for AMI, 111 with ST-segment elevation AMI and 76 with non-ST-segment elevation AMI. Of these, 32 (17%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. GRACE score, Killip-Kimball classification, and several inflammatory markers were significantly higher in COVID-19-positive patients. Total and cardiovascular mortality were also significantly higher in COVID-19-positive patients (25% vs 3.8% [P <.001] and 15.2% vs 1.8% [P=.001], respectively). GRACE score> 140 (OR, 23.45; 95%CI, 2.52-62.51; P=.005) and COVID-19 (OR, 6.61; 95%CI, 1.82-24.43; P=.02) were independent predictors of in-hospital death., Conclusions: During this pandemic, a high GRACE score and COVID-19 were independent risk factors associated with higher in-hospital mortality., (Copyright © 2020 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Individuals with mild to moderately decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR=30-59 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) are considered at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). No studies have compared this risk in eGFR=30-59, diabetes mellitus (DM), and coronary heart disease (CHD) in regions with a low incidence of CHD., Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 122 443 individuals aged 60-84 years from a region with a low CHD incidence with creatinine measured between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011. We identified hospital admissions due to CHD (myocardial infarction, angina) or CVD (CHD, stroke, or transient ischemic attack) from electronic medical records up to December 31, 2013. We estimated incidence rates and Cox regression adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) including competing risks in patients with eGFR=30-59, DM and CHD, or combinations, compared with individuals without these diseases., Results: The median follow-up was 38.3 [IQR, 33.8-42.7] months. Adjusted sHR for CHD in individuals with eGFR=30-59, DM, eGFR=30-59 plus DM, previous CHD, CHD plus DM, and CHD plus eGFR=30-59 plus DM, were 1.34 (95%CI, 1.04-1.74), 1.61 (95%CI, 1.36-1.90), 1.96 (95%CI, 1.42-2.70), 4.33 (95%CI, 3.58-5.25), 7.05 (5.80-8.58) and 7.72 (5.72-10.41), respectively. The corresponding sHR for CVD were 1.25 (95%CI, 1.06-1.46), 1.56 (95%CI, 1.41-1.74), 1.83 (95%CI, 1.50-2.23), 2.86 (95%CI, 2.48-3.29), 4.54 (95%CI, 3.93-5.24), and 5.33 (95%CI, 4.31-6.60)., Conclusions: In 60- to 84-year-olds with eGFR=30-59, similarly to DM, the likelihood of being admitted to hospital for CHD and CVD was about half that of individuals with established CHD. Thus, eGFR=30-59 does not appear to be a coronary-risk equivalent. Individuals with CHD and DM, or eGFR=30-59 plus DM, should be prioritized for more intensive risk management., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objective: Influenza virus infection can contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to confirm if the increase in seasonal influenza rates is associated with a growth in hospitalisation and mortality rates for acute cardiovascular diseases (ACVD)., Methods: Retrospective cohort study of hospital discharges due to ACVD (myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure and ischemic stroke) in the Castilla y León (Spain) hospital system between 2001 and 2015. Hospitalisation and hospital mortality rates due to ACVD, and influenza rates in Castilla y León between 2001 and 2015 were studied. To calculate hospitalisation and mortality rates, the hospital discharges database was used; for influenza rates, the weekly reports of the Sentinel System for the surveillance of influenza in Spain (Carlos III Health Institute) were used. A statistical analysis of linear and multivariate logistic regressions was performed., Results: 239,586 ACVD (myocardial infarction: 55,004; unstable angina: 15,406; heart failure: 11,1647; ischemic stroke: 57,529) were studied. Increasing rates of influenza were associated with increased mortality due to ACVD and all the diseases studied, except unstable angina. A linear correlation was observed between influenza rates and hospitalisation (r 2 =0.03; p=0.02) and mortality (r 2 =0.14; p<0.001) rates by ACVD. Virtually all influenza rates were associated, as independent variables, to an increase in mortality due to ACVD, being higher in rates>139/100,000 inhabitants (OR: 1.25; p<0.001)., Conclusions: The rates of hospitalisation and in-hospital mortality due to ACVD in the period 2001-2015 increased in relation to infection rates due to the influenza virus., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Despite increased awareness of sex disparities in care and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), there appears to have been no consistent attenuation of these differences over the last decade. We investigated differences by sex in management and 30-day mortality using the European Society of Cardiology Acute Cardiovascular Care Association quality indicators (QIs) for AMI., Methods: Proportions and standard errors of the 20 Acute Cardiovascular Care Association QIs were calculated for 771 patients with AMI who were admitted to the cardiology departments of 2 tertiary hospitals in Portugal between August 2013 and December 2014. The association between the composite QI and 30-day mortality was derived from logistic regression., Results: Significantly fewer eligible women than men received timely reperfusion, were discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy and high-intensity statins, and were referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Women were less likely to receive recommended interventions (59.6% vs 65.2%; P <.001) and also had higher mean GRACE 2.0 risk score-adjusted 30-day mortality (3.0% vs 1.7%; P <.001). An inverse association between the composite QI and crude 30-day mortality was observed for both sexes (OR, 0.08; 95%CI, 0.01-0.64 for the highest performance tertile vs the lowest)., Conclusions: Performance in AMI management is worse for women than men and is associated with higher 30-day mortality, which is also worse for women. Evidence-based QIs have the potential to improve health care delivery and patient prognosis in the overall AMI population and may also bridge the disparity gap between women and men., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: The Canary Islands has the highest mortality from diabetes in Spain. The aim of this study was to determine possible differences in mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during hospital admission between this autonomous community and the rest of Spain, as well as the factors associated with this mortality and the population fraction attributable to diabetes., Methods: Cross-sectional study of hospital admissions for AMI in Spain from 2007 to 2014, registered in the Minimum Basic Data Set., Results: A total of 415 798 AMI were identified. Canary Island patients (16 317) were younger than those living in the rest of Spain (63.93 ± 13.56 vs 68.25 ± 13.94; P < .001) and death occurred 4 years earlier in the archipelago (74.03 ± 11.85 vs 78.38 ± 11.10; P < .001). This autonomous community had the highest prevalence of smoking (44% in men and 23% in women); throughout Spain, AMI occurred 13 years earlier in smokers than in nonsmokers. Patients in the Canary Islands had the highest mortality rates whether they had diabetes (8.7%) or not (7.6%), and they also showed the highest fraction of AMI mortality attributable to diabetes (9.4; 95%CI, 4.8-13.6). After adjustment for type of AMI, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, cocaine use, renal failure, sex and age, the Canary Islands showed the highest risk of mortality vs the rest of Spain (OR = 1.25; 95%CI, 1.17-1.33; P < .001) and it was one of the autonomous communities showing no significant improvement in the risk of mortality due to AMI during the study period., Conclusions: Mortality due to AMI during hospital admission is higher in the Canary Islands than in the rest of Spain., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is a misconception that the main cause of death among women is breast cancer, even among physicians, who may neglect cardiovascular preventive measures in this gender Aim: To assess the knowledge among physicians about the main cause of death among women., Material and Methods: A survey was answered by 231 physicians attending a Cardiology and a Gynecology Meeting., Results: Sixty eight percent of respondents indicated that cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death among women. A higher proportion of specialists than trainees, answered correctly the question (72 and 56% respectively). No gender differences in the answers were recorded., Conclusions: The knowledge about cardiovascular risk in women should be reinforced among physicians.

Introduction and Objectives: The impact on mortality of myocardial infarction (MI) compared with the specific degree of bleeding severity occurring after discharge in acute coronary syndrome is poorly characterized. Defining this relationship may help to achieve a favorable therapeutic risk-benefit balance., Methods: Using Cox-based shared frailty models, we assessed the relationship between mortality and postdischarge MI and bleeding severity-graded according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC)-in 4229 acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing in-hospital coronary arteriography between January 2012 and December 2015., Results: Both MI (HR, 5.8; 95%CI, 3.7-9.8) and bleeding (HR, 5.1; 95%CI, 3.6-7.7) were associated with mortality. Myocardial infarction had a stronger impact on mortality than BARC type 2 and 3a bleedings: (RRr, 3.8 and 1.9; P < .05), respectively, but was equivalent to BARC type 3b (RRr, 0.9; P = .88). Mortality risk after MI was significantly lower than after BARC type 3c bleeding (RRr, 0.25; P < .001). Mortality was higher after an MI in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) at the time of the event (HR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1.8-4.5) than in those off-DAPT (HR, 1.5; 95%CI, 0.7-3.4). In contrast, mortality was lower after a bleeding event in patients on-DAPT (HR, 1.6; 95%CI, 1.1-2.6) than in those off-DAPT (HR, 3.2; 95%CI, 1.7-5.8)., Conclusions: The differential effect on mortality of a postdischarge MI vs bleeding largely depends on bleeding severity. The DAPT status at the time of MI or bleeding is a modifier of subsequent mortality risk., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Primary Care is the fundamental axis of our health system and obliges us to be consistent with our prescriptions. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and increased risk of all causes of death, as well as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with a previous myocardial infarction. Pain and cardiac patient management are 2 basic pillars in our daily activity, and we must know the limitations of NSAIDs in patients with established cardiovascular risk., Objectives: We present a review of the scientific literature with primary interest in the role of NSAIDs and cardiovascular risk. The objective is to determine the relationship between the consumption of different NSAIDs and the fatal and non-fatal events among patients with known coronary disease., Method: This is a review of the scientific literature with primary interest in the role of NSAIDs and cardiovascular risk. The literature review was conducted in PubMed search engines like Tripdatabase and with certain keywords. Of the 15 original papers found, 9 did not correspond completely to the central focus, so the approach was decided from 6 original articles from the past 5 years, which address the central focus of increased cardiovascular risk found (fatal and non-fatal events) in patients with prior cardiovascular disease or AMI being prescribed NSAIDs for any reason. The risk of fatal/non-fatal events in each of the studies is expressed by the odds ratio (OR)/hazard ratio (HR), defined as the probability of an event occurring., Results: A moderate risk was observed for ibuprofen. It increases the risk of acute coronary syndrome after 5 years of cardiovascular event, especially in the 2nd year (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.42-1.87). It also increases the risk of stroke (HR 1.23; 95% IC 1.10-1.38). Cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors were the third risk group, after nabumetone and diclofenac. Celecoxib increases risk from the 14th day of treatment (HR 2.3; 95% CI 1.79-3.02), having an OR of 1.47 (95% CI 1.05-2.07) for new AMI. Rofecoxib shows a risk of fatal cardiovascular events, even at low doses, and after 7 days of treatment (HR 2.5; 95% CI 1.91-3.46), with an OR of 2.30 (95% CI 1.76-2.99) for new AMI. Naproxen had a lower risk of cardiovascular death and new cardiovascular events, but no significant results except for treatment longer than 90 days (HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.10-2.17), with increased gastrointestinal bleeding and associated comorbidity during the first year of treatment (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.07-1.94). Ketorolac is seen as the drug of greatest risk for new AMI: Oral treatment (OR 3.91; 95% CI 2.02-7.58). The review highlights the cardio-protective factor of certain drugs, such as antiplatelet agents and statins in patients, with NSAIDs use. For example, in patients with greater comorbidity, differences were observed in the OR, with antiplatelet agents consumption giving an OR of 1.37 (95% CI 0.68-2.74), compared to the non-consumption, OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.16-2.78)., Conclusions: The consumption of various NSAIDs and their relationship to increased risk of fatal and non-fatal acute coronary syndrome is classified by years. Consumption increases the risk regardless of the time elapsed in relation to those that did not take them, with the figures remaining virtually stable for five years. Diclofenac and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (especially Rofecoxib) showed an increased risk, unlike naproxen, which had a lower risk. However, naproxen, and because of its greater capacity to generate gastrointestinal bleeding, increased for this reason, fatal events and comorbidity in these patients. Despite this, it still has the best cardiovascular safety profile., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Current guidelines on the treatment of blood cholesterol recommend continuous maintenance of high-intensity statin treatment in drug-eluting stent (DES)-treated patients. However, high-intensity statin treatment is frequently underused in clinical practice after stabilization of DES-treated patients. Currently, the impact of continuous high-intensity statin treatment on the incidence of late adverse events in these patients is unknown. We investigated whether high-intensity statin treatment reduces late adverse events in clinically stable patients on aspirin monotherapy 12 months after DES implantation., Methods: Clinically stable patients who underwent DES implantation 12 months previously and received aspirin monotherapy were randomly assigned to receive either high-intensity (40mg atorvastatin, n = 1000) or low-intensity (20mg pravastatin, n = 1000) statin treatment. The primary endpoint was adverse clinical events at 12-month follow-up (a composite of all death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stent thrombosis, stroke, renal deterioration, intervention for peripheral artery disease, and admission for cardiac events)., Results: The primary endpoint at 12-month follow-up occurred in 25 patients (2.5%) receiving high-intensity statin treatment and in 40 patients (4.1%) receiving low-intensity statin treatment (HR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.36-0.92; P = .018). This difference was mainly driven by a lower rate of cardiac death (0 vs 0.4%, P = .025) and nontarget vessel myocardial infarction (0.1 vs 0.7%, P = .033) in the high-intensity statin treatment group., Conclusions: Among clinically stable DES-treated patients on aspirin monotherapy, high-intensity statin treatment significantly reduced late adverse events compared with low-intensity statin treatment., Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01557075., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: There is little evidence on the optimal strategy for bifurcation lesions in the context of a coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). This study compared the procedural and mid-term outcomes of patients with bifurcation lesions in CTO treated with provisional stenting vs 2-stent techniques in a multicenter registry., Methods: Between January 2012 and June 2016, 922 CTO were recanalized at the 4 participating centers. Of these, 238 (25.8%) with a bifurcation lesion (side branch ≥ 2mm located proximally, distally, or within the occluded segment) were treated by a simple approach (n=201) or complex strategy (n=37). Propensity score matching was performed to account for selection bias between the 2 groups. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) consisted of a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and clinically-driven target lesion revascularization., Results: Angiographic and procedural success were similar in the simple and complex groups (94.5% vs 97.3%; P=.48 and 85.6% vs 81.1%; P=.49). However, contrast volume, radiation dose, and fluoroscopy time were lower with the simple approach. At follow-up (25 months), the MACE rate was 8% in the simple and 10.8% in the complex group (P=.58). There was a trend toward a lower MACE-free survival in the complex group (80.1% vs 69.8%; P=.08). After propensity analysis, there were no differences between the groups regarding immediate and follow-up results., Conclusions: Bifurcation lesions in CTO can be approached similarly to regular bifurcation lesions, for which provisional stenting is considered the technique of choice. After propensity score matching, there were no differences in procedural or mid-term clinical outcomes between the simple and complex strategies., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Aging is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The increased prevalence of CVD is partly due to the global increase in life expectancy. In this context, it is essential to identify the mechanisms by which aging induces CVD, with the ultimate aim of reducing its incidence. Both atherosclerosis and heart failure significantly contribute to age-associated CVD morbidity and mortality. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the synthesis of progerin, which is noted for accelerated aging and CVD. This mutant form of prelamin A induces generalised atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, and cardiac electrophysiological abnormalities, leading to premature aging and death, mainly due to myocardial infarction and stroke. This review discusses the main vascular structural and functional abnormalities during physiological and premature aging, as well as the mechanisms involved in the exacerbated CVD and accelerated aging induced by the accumulation of progerin and prelamin A. Both proteins are expressed in non-HGPS individuals, and physiological aging shares many features of progeria. Research into HGPS could therefore shed light on novel mechanisms involved in the physiological aging of the cardiovascular system., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) affords mechanical circulatory assistance associated to high mortality. However, weaning from such mechanical support may not imply improved short- or long-term survival. This study describes the characteristics and evolution of patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) subjected to venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) in a hospital with a heart transplant program., Design: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was carried out., Setting: The cardiovascular ICU of a tertiary hospital., Patients: Forty-six patients consecutively subjected to VA-ECMO over 6 years., Interventions: Hospital mortality after weaning from ECMO and overall survival (OS) were analyzed., Results: Fifteen patients (33%) died with VA-ECMO and 31 (67%) were weaned after 8 days of support (IQR: 5-15). Fourteen patients under went transplantation. Hospital mortality in these patients was 32% (10/31), and was associated to age (P=.001), SAPS II score (P=.009), cannulation bleeding (P=.01) and post-acute myocardial infarction RCS (P=.001). After a median follow-up of 27 months (IQR: 11-49), 91% of the patients discharged from hospital were still alive. Overall survival after weaning from assistance was associated to the type of cardiac disease (P=.002). Patients with RCS after acute myocardial infarction had a poorer prognosis., Conclusions: In our experience, VA-ECMO can be used as mechanical assistance in the management of RCS. The technique is associated to high early mortality, though the long-term survival rate after hospital discharge is good., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Background: A low socioeconomic status is associated with higher overall mortality rates., Aim: To assess the effect of socioeconomic inequalities on survival of patients hospitalized with a first myocardial infarction., Material and Methods: Analysis of hospital discharge and mortality databases of the Ministry of Health. Patients aged over 15 years discharged between 2002 and 2011 with a first myocardial infarction (code I-21, ICD-10) were identified. Their survival was verified with the mortality registry. Survival from 0 to 28 and from 29 to 365 days was analyzed. Socioeconomic status was determined using the type of health insurance, stratified as public insurance (low and medium status) and private insurance (high status). Prais-Winsten trend (P-W) and Cox survival analyses were done., Results: We analyzed 59,557 patients (69% males). Sixty three percent were of low socioeconomic status, 19% medium and 18% high. Between 2002 and 2011 the increase in survival was higher among patients of low socioeconomic status, mainly in women (P-W coefficients 0.58:0.31-0.86 in men and 1.12:0.84-1.41 in women for 0-28 days survival and 0.24:0.09-0.39 in men and 0.48:0.37-0.60 in women for 29-365 days survival, respectively). However, age and year of hospitalization adjusted analysis showed a higher mortality risk among patients of low socioeconomic status at 0-28 days (HR 1.67:1.53-1.83 for men and 1.49:1.34-1.66 for women) and at 29-365 days (HR 2.30:1.75-2.71 for men and 1.90:1.56-1.85 for women)., Conclusions: Survival after a myocardial infarction improved in the last decade especially in patients of low socioeconomic status. However, subjects of this stratum continue to have a higher mortality.

Background and Objective: The association of an exaggerated systolic blood pressure increase with exercise (EBPIE) with cardiovascular events remains controversial. Our aim was to determine the possible association of an EBPIE with survival and risk of serious cardiac events in patients with hypertension and known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD)., Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study based on a sample of 5226 patients with a history of arterial hypertension and known or suspected CAD referred for exercise echocardiography. The EBPIE was defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure with exercise greater than or equal to the 95th percentile of this population (80mmHg). The end points were all-cause mortality, cardiac death and myocardial infarction (MI)., Results: During a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, there were 978 deaths (including 371 cardiac) and 798 MI. Annual rates of all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality and MI were 2.73, 0.83 and 2.63% in patients with EBPIE and 4.4, 1.58 and 3.98% in those without EBPIE (P<.001, P=.012, and P=.014, respectively). After multivariate analysis, an EBPIE remained independently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.95; P=.023) and MI (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.95; P=.022) but was not significantly associated with cardiac mortality (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.43-1.20; P=.2)., Conclusions: EBPIE was associated with an increased likelihood of survival and lower rate of MI in hypertensive patients with known or suspected CAD., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the differences in mortality at 28 days and other prognostic variables in 2 periods: IBERICA-Mallorca (1996-1998) and Infarction Code of the Balearic Islands (IC-IB) (2008-2010)., Design: Two observational prospective cohorts., Setting: Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, 1996-1998 and 2008-2010., Patients: Acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation of≤24h of anterior and inferior site., Main Variables of Interest: Age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, site of AMI, time delays, reperfusion therapy with fibrinolysis and primary angioplasty, administration of acetylsalicylic acid, beta blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Killip class, malignant arrhythmias, mechanical complications and death at 28 days were included., Results: Four hundred and forty-two of the 889 patients included in the IBERICA-Mallorca and 498 of 847 in the IC-IB were analyzed. The site and Killip class on admission were similar in both cohorts. The main significant difference between IBERICA and IC-IB group were age (64 vs. 58 years), prior myocardial infarction (17.9 vs. 8.1%), the median symtoms to first ECG time (120 vs. 90min), median first ECG to fibrinolysis time (60 vs. 35min), fibrinolytic therapy (54.8 vs. 18.7%), patients without revascularization treatment (45.9 vs. 9.2%), primary angioplasty (1.0% vs. 92.0%). The mortality at 28 days was lower in the IC-IB (12.2 vs. 7.2%; hazard ratio 0.560; 95% CI 0.360-0.872; P=.010)., Conclusion: The 28-day mortality in acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation in Mallorca has declined in the last decade, basically due to increased reperfusion therapy with primary angioplasty and reducing delays time to reperfusion., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.)

Objective:: To analyze the differences in health outcomes by hospital characteristics, focusing on ownership: public, private not-for-profit (PNFP) and private for-profit (PFP)., Materials and Methods:: We used a discharged patient dataset of Chilean hospitals for the period 2001-2010 with a total of 16 205 314 discharges in 20 public, six PNFP and 15 PFP hospitals.We selected a subsample of two medical conditions: myocardial infarction and stroke.We used probit regression analyses with mortality rates as dependent variable, ownership status as the key explanatory variable, and control variables which included patients' health status and socioeconomic level, and hospital characteristics., Results:: Private hospitals showed lower risk of death relative to public hospitals: 1.3% in PNFP, 0.7% in PFP and 3.5% in public hospitals., Conclusions:: The analysis shows the inequities that exist between public hospitals and the private sector.

Background: Secondary prevention programs are an essential part of comprehensive care of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and its effectiveness in reducing morbidity or mortality has been proved., Aim: To determine the cost-effectiveness of a theoretical comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) outpatient program after Myocardial Infarction, to be implemented in a Chilean Public Health System., Material and Methods: We designed a theoretical protocol of a CCR program based on recommendations of international guidelines, but adapted to local needs. A cost analysis was developed. Life years due to premature death were estimated with and without participation in CCR. The gained life-years and cost-effectiveness of the program were thus calculated., Results: The annual cost of cardiac rehabilitation center is $ 64,407,065 Chilean pesos (CLP). The Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) considering a reduction of late mortality of 25%, is $ 475,209.7 CLP per year of life gained. Since this figure is lower than one unit of per capita gross domestic product, the intervention is considered very cost-effective., Conclusions: A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program after myocardial infarction is very cost-effective in the context of its implementation in a public health service.

Background: Consumption of illicit drugs (ID) has been associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There is limited national evidence about the impact of substance use over the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of AMI patients., Aim: To describe the prevalence of ID consumption in patients within the Chilean Registry of Myocardial Infarction (GEMI), comparing clinical characteristics, management and outcome according to consumption status., Material and Methods: We reviewed data from the GEMI registry between 2001 and 2013, identifying 18,048 patients with AMI. The sample was stratified according to presence or absence of previous ID consumption, comparing different demographic and clinical variables between groups., Results: Two hundred eighty five patients (1.6%) had history of ID consumption (cocaine in 66%, cannabis in 35% and central nervous system stimulants in 24.0%). Compared with non-users, ID consumers were younger, predominantly male and had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, except for tobacco smoking (86.3% and 42.5% respectively, p < 0.01). Among consumers, there was a higher percentage of ST segment elevation (85.2% and 67.8% respectively, p < 0.01) and anterior wall AMI (59.9 and 49.5% respectively, p = 0.01). Additionally, they had a higher rate of primary angioplasty (48.8% and 25.5% respectively, p < 0.01). There was no difference in hospital mortality between groups when stratified by age., Conclusions: A low percentage of patients with AMI had a previous history of ID consumption in our national setting. These patients were younger and had a greater frequency of ST segment elevation AMI, which probably determined a more invasive management.

Background and Aims: Diabetes mellitus is one of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate in-hospital mortality and during follow-up of diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty and to determine its predictors., Materials and Methods: Eight hundred and sixty six patients were retrospectively enrolled from January 1993 to December 2013. A hundred patients with a diagnosis of diabetes were evaluated. The median follow-up was 121 months in 90% of the population., Results: Of the 100 diabetic patients included (11.56%) 86% were male and 50% older than 70 years. Overall, 76% presented with a Killip-Kimball grade of 1 at admission and 16% presented with a Killip-Kimball 4. The most frequent location of myocardial infarction was anterior and 65% had 2 or more coronary vessel disease. In-hospital mortality was 15%. The only independent variable significantly associated was the Killip-Kimball at admission. Mortality during follow up was 35% and its independent predictors were: age, Killip-Kimball at admission and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors Interestingly, in the non-diabetic group, Killip-kimball at admission failed to predict long-term mortality, Conclusion: This group of diabetic patients was older, and with a higher prevalence of 2 or more vessel disease. Cardiogenic shock on admission was the only independent predictor of in-hospital death and along with age and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, an independent predictor of mortality during long term follow-up., (Copyright © 2015 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.)

Background: Population-based data available about the epidemiology of acute myocardial infarction is limited. This study investigated incidence and mortality from infarction among the general population over 60 years in Tarragona., Methods: Cohort study that included 27,204 individuals ≥60 years assigned to nine Primary Care Centers in the Tarragones county (Catalonia, Spain), who were prospectively followed between 01/12/2008 and 30/11/2011. During follow-up, all presumptive episodes of infarction were recruited among cohort members, but only confirmed cases (electrocardiogram and biomarkers confirmation) were included., Results: There were an amount of 359 confirmed episodes of infarction, which means a global incidence rate of 475 episodes per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 428-527). Incidence was 681 in men and 311in women (p<0.001). According to age, incidence was 277 in 60-69, 632 in 70-79 and 690 per 100,000 in ≥80 years (p<0.001). Incidence was 2,844 cases per 100,000 person-years among those persons whom had history of prior coronary artery disease. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 15.3%, in male 14.9% and in female 16.0% (p=0.776)., Conclusion: Incidence was 2.2 times higher in men than in woman and increased considerable by age. It was greater among patients with prior history of coronary artery disease. Mortality was slightly lower in men than in women.

Background: Socioeconomic status is associated with cardiovascular mortality., Aim: To evaluate the effect of educational level, on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction in Chile., Material and Methods: Cohort study of 3,636 patients aged 63.1 ± 13.2 years, 27% women, hospitalized in 16 centers participating in the Chilean Myocardial Infarction Registry (GEMI) between 2009 and 2012. Vital status was obtained from the National Mortality Database. Patients were divided, according to educational level, in four groups, namely none (no formal education), basic (< 8 years), secondary (8-12 years) and tertiary (> 12 years). Crude and adjusted (age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and treatments) hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox regression models., Results: The distribution by educational level was 3.2% none, 31.8% basic, 43.0% secondary and 22.0% tertiary. During a median follow-up period of 22 months (interquartile range 11-37 years), 631 patients died (17.3%), of whom 198 died during hospitalization (5.5%). The 30 day case-fatality rate according to educational level was 3.4% in tertiary, 4.7% in secondary, 11.9% in basic, 19.1% in none (p < 0.0001). Among patients surviving the first 30 days, the case-fatality rate was 4.4%, 8.6%, 14.6% and 27.0%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The increased risk of death for groups with lower education compared with individuals with tertiary education, persisted in the multivariate analysis with a hazard ratio for secondary education 1.58 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.18-2.10); for basic education 1.90 (95% CI, 1.41-2.47) and for none 3.50 (95% CI, 2.35-5.21)., Conclusions: A lower educational level was associated with a worse prognosis in patients with myocardial infarction, even after controlling for potential confounding factors.

Background: Among aged patients, acute myocardial infarction has more complications and there is a tendency to underuse proven treatments., Aim: To report the features of acute myocardial infarction among aged patients., Material and Methods: Analysis of a registry of patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to a coronary unit. For the purposes of analysis, patients aged 65 years or more were selected. Follow up was made consulting medical records, calling patients by telephone or consulting death records at the National Identification Service., Results: A total of 1.358 patients were admitted in the study period with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and 580 (43%) were aged 65 years or more. On admission, this age group had a higher frequency of hemodynamic instability and anterior wall infarctions. Reperfusion therapy and beta blockers were used less commonly in this group. Hospital mortality among patients younger or older than 65 year was 8 and 25%, respectively (p < 0.01). Among aged patients, five years mortality was 33%., Conclusions: Among aged patients, acute myocardial infarction has a higher risk profile on admission, is usually undertreated and has higher mortality than younger subjects.

Introduction and Objectives: Mortality from myocardial infarction is declining in high income countries, but the magnitude of this decline could differ between countries. We sought to compare the mortality trends from myocardial infarction between Spain and the United States., Methods: This was an observational retrospective study. Crude data were obtained from public databases. Standardized mortality rates were calculated for the last 17 years available for both countries (1990 to 2006), and stratified by age and sex. Joinpoint regression analysis was used for the trends analysis and projections., Results: There has been a steady decline in mortality from myocardial infarction in both countries from 1990 to 2006. However, the magnitude of this decline was greater in the United States (relative reductions in men: 42.7% [Spain] and 59.7% [United States], and in women: 40% [Spain] and 57.4% [United States]). The estimated annual percentages of decline in mortality were greater in the United States (men: -10.7%, women: -5.1%) than in Spain (men: -1.9%, women: -5.1%). Projections for 2012 suggest that the mortality from myocardial infarction will be lower in men in the United States (53.33/100,000) than in Spain (81.52/100,000), while for women it will be equal (32.56/100,000 in the United States and 33.56/100,000 in Spain)., Conclusions: The decline in mortality from myocardial infarction has been more pronounced in the United States than in Spain, and projections for upcoming years suggest in the United States it will evolve to rates below those expected in Spain for men and equal rates for women., (Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: A standardized protocol of emergent transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction, defined as the Infarction Code, was implemented in June 2009 in the Catalan regional health system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the new protocol on delay times, number of procedures and clinical characteristics compared with the previous period in the population of patients referred to our hospital., Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention in our hospital were prospectively registered. The clinical characteristics, delay times and mortality in the follow-up of the protocol implementation period (June 2009-May 2010) were analyzed and compared with the previous year (June 2008-May 2009)., Results: During the protocol period, 514 patients were included, compared with 241 in the previous year. Age, cardiovascular risk factors, anterior myocardial infarction and procedure characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. The first medical contact to balloon time was lower in the protocol period (median time 120 min vs 88 min; P<.001). Patients in the protocol period showed a trend toward less severe disease (Killip III, rescue angioplasty). The multivariate regression analysis showed a significant association between 1-year mortality and age, Killip class ≥ III at admission, anterior infarction and 3-vessel disease., Conclusions: The introduction of the Infarction Code program increased the number of patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention with a reduction in delay times and better clinical characteristics at presentation. Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org., (Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Acute myocardial infarction is responsible for most of the deaths in developed countries and for a very large number of hospital admissions. Specifically in Spain, each year about 140,000 deaths and 5 million hospital stays are due to acute myocardial infarction, corresponding to health care costs reaching 15% of total expenditure. Therefore, this paper presents an exhaustive analysis of acute myocardial infarction and the related prognosis, such as recurrence and mortality., Methods: This observational study was carried out in Spain. Data were obtained using the Hospital Discharge Administrative Database from 2000 through 2007, inclusive. Specifically, 12,096 cases of acute myocardial infarction (8606 women and 3490 men) were reported during this period, with 2395 readmissions for this diagnosis. Readmissions were analyzed for frequency and duration using logistic regression and the Wang survival model. Mortality was analyzed using logistic regression., Results: Readmission rates were 50% for patients younger than 45 years and 38% for those older than 75 years (P<.001). Men were readmitted more frequently than women throughout the follow-up period. Variables related to hospital mortality from acute myocardial infarction were the presence of diabetes, previous ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease., Conclusions: Mid-term hospital readmissions are highly frequent in acute myocardial infarction survivors. Male sex, previous coronary heart disease, and the number of classical cardiovascular risk factors are the major risk predictors of this readmission. Our results highlight the need for improved medical care during acute myocardial infarction admission, integrated into secondary prevention programs., (Copyright © 2011 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is the single leading cause of death among non-transmitted chronic diseases in Brazil. The knowledge of mortality trends is necessary for planning prevention strategies., Objective: To evaluate trends in mortality from myocardial infarction in the period from 1998 to 2009 in Curitiba (PR), their distribution by gender, age and their impact in reducing the absolute number of deaths from this disease in this period., Methods: Demographic data were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and death data were obtained from the Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health, considering gender, age and residence. From the fit of a Poisson regression model we estimated mortality rates and expected number of deaths that were not observed., Results: We found significant downward trend (p < 0.001) in the period. The estimated average reduction in death rate from AMI each year was 3.8% (95% CI: 3.2% - 4.5%). There was no significant difference between genders (p = 0.238), although the evolution of age-specific standard mortality rates differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.018). It is estimated that the annual reduction of 3.8% in the mortality rate has resulted in 2,168 deaths below the number expected given the mortality rate observed in 1998 and projecting that number on the population growth occurred during the study period., Conclusion: Although it remains an important cause of death, mortality from AMI decreased significantly during the evaluation period.

Introduction and Objectives: Treatment of acute myocardial infarction has changed notably in recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze trends in in-hospital mortality during the period 2003-2009 and to examine how changes in comorbidity indices affected mortality prediction models for acute myocardial infarction using the minimum basic data set., Methods: During the study period, 5275 cases of acute myocardial infarction were admitted. Mortality rates were calculated by age and sex and Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity index scores were obtained on admission for every patient. Trends were analyzed and their validity studied. Multivariate models predictive of mortality were derived and compared., Results: Mean age and comorbidities increased in all patients over the period 2003-2009. In spite of these trends, acute myocardial infarction mortality decreased. Comorbidity indices remained valid when the criterion "present on admission" was applied. Multivariate predictive models included age, sex, medical treatment, coronary revascularization and a comorbidity index or specific comorbidities. The model with specific comorbidities showed the best predictive ability. All models found that age and comorbidities increased the risk of death, and that coronary revascularization and treatment with anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, and platelet antiaggregants were protective factors., Conclusions: Despite the fact that the mean age and number of comorbidities in acute myocardial infarction patients has increased year over year, acute myocardial infarction mortality has decreased, probably because of more frequent reperfusion and revascularization therapy and better medical treatment., (Copyright © 2011 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: To determine whether mortality from acute myocardial infarction has reduced in Spain and the possibly related therapeutic factors., Methods: Nine thousand, nine hundred and forty-nine patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction admitted to the Coronary Care Unit were identified from PRIAMHO I, II and MASCARA registries performed in 1995, 2000 and 2005, with a 6 month follow-up., Results: From 1995 to 2005 patients were increasingly more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia and anterior infarction, but age of onset and the proportion of females did not increase. Twenty-eight-day mortality rates were 12.6%, 12.3% and 6% in 1995, 2000 and 2005 respectively, and 15.3%, 14.6% and 9.4% at 6 months (both P-trend <.001). Multivariate analysis was performed and the adjusted odds ratio for 28-day mortality for an infarction occuring in 2005 (compared with 1995) was 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.44-0.88) whereas the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality at 6 months was 0.40 (95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.67). Other variables independently associated with lower mortality at 28 days were: reperfusion therapy, and the use of anti-thrombotic treatment, beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The 28-day-6-month period had an independent protective effect on the following therapies: coronary reperfusion, and prescription of antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers and lipid lowering drugs upon discharge., Conclusions: Twenty-eight-day and six-month mortality rates fell among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Spain from 1995 to 2005. The possibly related therapeutic factors were the following: more frequent reperfusion therapy and increased use of anti-thrombotic drugs, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and lipid lowering drugs., (Copyright © 2011 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Background: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) provides highly valuable information for risk stratification and determination of optimal clinical management. The goal of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of myocardial perfusion SPECT for the prediction of future cardiac events in Asian population., Methods: Five hundred and ten consecutive patients, who had undergone myocardial perfusion SPECT between 2005 and 2006, were prospectively followed-up. Patients' data were collected from recorded files. Follow-ups were performed by scripted telephone interviews by a physician blinded to the patients' MPI results and also from the hospital records. The total completed follow-ups consisted of 482 patients (follow-up rate, 94.5%)., Results: Over the mean follow-up period of 434 ± 62 days, 14 out of 482 patients (2.9%) died from cardiac events. Also in 61 patients (12.7%), the clinical condition led to a cardiac intervention (Percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting). Those patients without cardiac events on follow-up (including cardiac death or myocardial infarction) were younger and with less severity of MPI abnormalities. Severe MPI abnormalities (Summed Stress Score > 13) were found in 42.9% of those with cardiac death, while in 17.2% of those with myocardial infarction. The rate of cardiac death had a direct relationship with the severity of scan abnormalities, however, the same association was not found between the severity of MPI abnormality and the rate of myocardial infarction., Conclusion: MPI is a valuable tool for risk stratification and prediction of future fatal cardiac events in Asian population. The risk of cardiac death as a mid-term outcome of coronary artery disease increases significantly with severity of MPI abnormalities., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. and SEMNIM. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) causes 73.6% of coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths in Chile., Aim: To estimate the incidence and case fatality of AMI and analyze their trends between 2001-2007., Material and Methods: A time-series study analyzing all cases of AMI (according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10, I21 code), registered in the National Hospitalizations and Death databases. Annual incidence rates and case fatality by sex and age groups were calculated. The direct method was used to standardize rates by age, using the World Health Organization 2000 Population. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to evaluate trends, expressed as relative change., Results: Between 2001 and 2007, we estimated that 83,754 cases of AMI occurred. Standardized annual incidence rate was 74.4 per 100,000 inhabitants (98.0 in men and 51.0 in women). Incidence rates increased by 34% in individuals < 45 years of age and 9.2% in the group 55-64 years (p < 0.001, both). Total case fatality was 49.5% (45.4% in men and 57.2% in women; p < 0.001), and its trend analysis showed a significant annual reduction of 1.2% in men and 0.81% in women. In-hospital case fatality was 14.2% (11.3 and 20.4% in men and women, respectively; p < 0.001). There was a significant annual reduction of mortality (0.57 and 1.01% in men and women, respectively (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The incidence of AMI was stable in the whole population, but increased in younger age groups. Total and in-hospital case-fatality decreased. Despite the greater reduction of case fatality in women, they still have a higher risk of dying while in hospital.

Background: The need to improve the exercise testing accuracy, pushed the development of scores, whose applicability was already broadly recognized., Objective: Prognostic evaluation of stable coronary disease through a new simplified score., Methods: A new score was applied in 372 multivessel coronary patients with preserved ventricular function, 71.8% male, age: 59.5 (± 9.07) years old, randomized to medical treatment, surgery (CABG) or angioplasty (PTCA), with 5 years of follow-up. Cardiovascular death was considered the primary endpoint. Non-fatal myocardial infarction, death and re-intervention were considered for a combined secondary endpoint. The score was based on an equation previously validated, resulting from a sum of one point for: male gender, infarction history, angina, diabetes, insulin use and one point for each decade of life after 40 years old. Positive exercise testing summed one additional point., Results: Thirty six deaths was observed (10 in group PTCA, 15 in CABG and 11 in the clinical group), p = 0.61. We observed 93 combined events: 37 in PTCA group, 23 in CABG and 33 in the clinical group (p = 0.058). 247 patients presented clinical score ≥ 5 points and 216 ≥ 6 points. The cutoff point ≥ 5 or ≥ 6 points identified higher risk, p = 0.015 and p = 0.012, respectively. The survival curve showed a different death incidence after the randomization when score reached 06 points or more (p = 0.07), and a distinct incidence of combined events between the patients with score < 6 and ≥ 6 points (p = 0.02)., Conclusion: The new score was consistent for multiarterial stable coronary disease risk stratification.

Objective: The purpose of this work has been to determine the prognostic value of normal thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) in patients who had suffered myocardial infarction in the three months prior to the examination., Material and Methods: A stress test followed by (201)Tl Gated SPECT was performed. A follow-up was made of 63 patients with normal perfusion scintigraphy. According to the MPS results, the patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I (n=63; 57% males, age 65±12), patients with normal MPS, and group II (n=60; 81% males, age 64±10), patients with abnormal MPS. The appearance of a new infarction or cardiac death occurring during this period (63±3 months) was analyzed. The appearance of events was related with the cardiovascular risk factors, perfusion study and ventricular function., Results: Five events occurred in group I in 4 patients: 3 new infarctions and 2 cardiac deaths. In group II, there were 18 events in 14 patients: 8 new infarctions and 10 cardiac deaths (p<0,0001). The events were related with age, time from MPS, diabetes, size of perfusion defect and post stress ventricular ejection fraction. Mean survival en group I was 108 months (103-112) and in group II 97 (88-107) (p=0,01)., Conclusion: Patients with normal MPS had fewer major events than patients with abnormal MPS. The size of MPS has been related with the appearance of events. A depressed post-stress left ventricular ejection fraction has a poor prognosis., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: To determine the effect of opening an on-site diagnostic catheterization facility on 30-day and 2-year mortality rates in patients with myocardial infarction (MI)., Methods: The study included 1539 consecutive MI patients aged 25-74 years who were recruited before and after the catheterization laboratory opened in 1998: during 1995-1997 and 1999-2003, respectively., Results: The 641 consecutive MI patients recruited in 1995-1997 had worse 30-day mortality than the 898 recruited between 1999-2003 (11.2% versus 6.35%, respectively; P=.001). The number of coronary angiographies and percutaneous coronary interventions carried out was greater in the second period (19.4% versus 3.3%, and 54.8% versus 23.0%, respectively; P<.001). Two-year survival curves were significantly better in the second period for all-cause and cardiovascular death. The adjusted odds ratio for death at 30 days was 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.95) for the second period compared with the first and the adjusted hazard ratio for cardiovascular death at 2 years for patients still alive at 30 days was 0.62 (95%CI 0.39-0.99). After adjustment for the prescription of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers and antiplatelet drugs at discharge, the effect observed at 2 years was no longer significant., Conclusions: Opening a new on-site diagnostic catheterization unit significantly increased the 30-day survival of MI patients. However, the increase in 2-year survival of 30-day survivors observed was largely explained by the implementation of better secondary prevention., (Copyright © 2010 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Background: Guidelines for the management of unstable angina (UA) and non ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have been issued, however, current practices are unknown in Chile., Aim: To evaluate in a prospective cohort of NSTEMI patients the current practices, treatments and risk factors., Material and Methods: One year prospective International non interventional registry, conducted in Chile between January 2005 and November 2006., Results: Two hundred thirty three Chilean NSTEMI patients were enrolled. Mortality was 5.5% at the end of the follow-up. Mean age was 61.6 years, and 30.6% were female. Most of the patients had at least one risk factor (98%): hypertension (84%), previous myocardial infarction (33%), dyslipidemia (54%), diabetes (33%), current smoking (30%). Main procedures during the hospitalization were coronary angiogram (67%), angioplasty (33%; 88% with stent) and coronary bypass surgery (7%). During procedures, 31% of patients received clopidogrel, and 4.2% glycoprotein Ilb/IIIa antagonists. Medical management was selected for 60% of patients. In comparison to men, women received less interventional procedures despite having more risk factors. Treatments prescribed at discharge were aspirin (97%), clopidogrel (49%), beta blockers (78%), diuretics (21%), lipid lowering agents (78%), oral hypoglycemic agents (13%) and insulin (9%). At the end of the 1-year follow-up, treatments were aspirin (84%), beta blockers (72%), diuretics (19%), and dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel (16%)., Conclusions: A high prevalence of multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Chilean patients with NSTEMI was observed. More aggressive primary and secondary preventive measures are urgently needed. Use of therapies proposed in the guidelines is high, but dual antiplatelet therapy is less than 50% at discharge and decreases during the one year-follow-up.

In acute coronary syndromes inflammatory process plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque instability. Our aim was to evaluate the presence and distribution of vulnerable plaques and inflammatory infiltrates in patients who died of acute myocardial infarction in comparison to patients who died of non-coronary heart disease. We analyzed pathologic studies of the heart of 68 patients who died of acute myocardial infarction and 15 patients who died of non-coronary heart disease. The presence of thrombus, intraplaque hemorrhage, endothelial rupture and inflammatory infiltrates were registered. In patients who died of myocardial infarction, we found thrombus in 73.5% of the involved arteries and in 28.7% of the non involved (p < 0.0001). Intraplaque hemorrhage was found in 70.5% of involved arteries and in 39.7% of the non involved (p < 0.0001); endothelial rupture in 29.4% of involved arteries and in 3.7% of non involved arteries (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the presence of inflammatory infiltrates (76.5% versus 68.4%). Comparing with patients who have died of non-coronary heart disease, the presence of thrombus was significantly higher (73.5% vs. 13.3%; p < 0.0001), as well as the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (70.5% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001) and of inflammatory infiltrates in atherosclerotic plaques (76.5% vs. 46.6%; p = 0.021). In patients who died of acute myocardial infarction we observed plaque instability and inflammatory activity, not only in the infarct related artery but also in the non involved arteries.

Clinical trials in academic centers with high selected surgeons have demonstrated the effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CE) in addition to best medical treatment in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe stenosis. International guidelines recommend that the procedure should be done in centers with morbidity and mortality rates of less than 6% for symptomatic and 3% for asymptomatic patients. We evaluated the morbidity and mortality of CE in our institution. This was defined by the presence of stroke, myocardial infarction and/or death within 30 days of surgery. Surgery was indicated in symptomatic patients with stenosis greater than 50%. For asymptomatic or symptomatic patients with stenosis = 50% treatment was decided on a case-by-case basis. All patients were examined by a neurologist with and a cardiologist before and after the procedure. Intraoperative monitoring with transcranial Doppler was routinely used in patients with adequate ultrasonic window. We evaluated 306 procedures. No deaths occurred. Perioperative morbidity was 2.6% for both, symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. These numbers compared favorably with those reported by other centers in Latin America and Europe. In conclusion, CE can be performed in routine clinical practice with morbidity and mortality results within those recommended by international guidelines.

Background and Objectives: The value of body mass index in the prognosis of patients with ischemic heart disease is not well defined. The objective of our study was to determine the association of body mass index with classic and emergent cardiovascular risk factors and with intra-hospital and 6-months mortality., Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study with a 6-months follow-up. We included 1063 patients between the ages of 25-75 years old who were consecutively admitted to the hospital within the first 24 hours of the onset of symptoms between years 2001 and 2003. We determined demographic and anthropometric variables, as well as classic and emergent factors of risk, clinical variables and the treatment administered. We carried out a univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: The percentage of patients with overweight or obesity in this population was 73.56%. Overweight and obesity were associated with classical risk factors, except for smoking, and emergent risk factors. Body mass index was not associated with short-or mid-term prognosis., Conclusions: Body mass index is not a useful anthropometric measure to determine the prognosis of patients after a first myocardial infarction., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has changed considerably in recent years. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in in-hospital mortality and 6-month outcomes after a first AMI between patients who participated in two trials, in 1992-1994 and 2001-2003, respectively., Methods: The study involved 1440 consecutive patients with a first AMI who were admitted to four university hospitals during 1992-1994 (the RESCATE-I trial) and 1288 with a first AMI who met the same diagnostic criteria and who were admitted to the same hospitals during 2001-2003 (the RESCATE-II trial). Patient management, in-hospital mortality and 6-month prognosis and outcomes were compared between the two trials., Results: Reperfusion therapy was carried out in 60.7% of patients in the first trial and in 72.6% in the second (P< .001). In the RESCATE-II trial, the median door-to-needle time was shorter (41 min vs. 93 min; P< .001) and patients more frequently underwent coronary angiography (65.2% vs. 28.1%; P< .001) and revascularization (34.9% vs. 8.1%; P< .001). In addition, in-hospital mortality was lower in RESCATE-II (7.5% vs. 10.9%; P< .001). After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidity, AMI severity and reperfusion therapy, the odds ratio for in-hospital mortality in RESCATE-II compared with the first trial was 0.52 (95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.86). In addition, mortality (1.4% vs. 3.6%; P=.001) and readmissions at 6 months were also lower in RESCATE-II., Conclusions: Both in-hospital and 6-month mortality in patients with a first AMI decreased during the last decade, probably due to more frequent reperfusion and revascularization therapy and better medical treatment.

Introduction and Objectives: Little is known about how prognosis is influenced by readmission for acute heart failure (AHF) following non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic effect of a first admission for AHF on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or death in patients who survived an episode of high-risk NSTEACS., Methods: The study involved 972 consecutive patients with high-risk NSTEACS who survived after hospital admission. Readmission for AHF was selected as the main exposure variable, and its association with subsequent AMI or all-cause death was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models for time-dependent covariates that also included adjustment for competing risks., Results: After a median follow-up period of 30 [interquartile range, 12-48] months, 82 patients (8.4%) were admitted for AHF, 146 (15%) had an AMI, and 202 (20.8%) died. The median time to readmission for AHF was 203 [56-336] days after NSTEACS. Patients readmitted for AHF had an increased risk of subsequent death (hazard ratio [HR]=1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.45; P=.009) or AMI (HR=2.15; 95% CI, 1.41-3.27; P< .001), which was independent of baseline prognostic and time-dependent variables., Conclusions: Readmission for AHF after high-risk NSTEACS was associated with an increased risk of subsequent death or AMI.

Background: hyperglycemia at admission has been associated to an adverse prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STE-MI). However, its impact over the results of reperfusion therapies in patients with STEMI is still a matter of controversy., Aim: to determine the impact of admission hyperglycemia on hospital and long term mortality, according to the method of reper-fusion utilized in patients with STEMI., Material and Methods: prospective registry of 1,634 consecutive patients aged 60 ± 12 years (77% male), from 3 participating hospitals in the Chilean Registry of Myocardial Infarction (GEMI). We evaluated demographic, clinical and laboratory variables, reperfusion method used, hospital and long term mortality. The impact of hyperglycemia on hospital and long term mortality was evaluated by a logistic regression analysis and Cox risk, respectively, adjusted by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score., Results: twenty four percent of patients were diabetics and in 45%, the infarct was located on the anterior wall. The mean TIMI risk score was 3.2 ± 2.4. Hyperglycemia at entry was associated to a greater hospital and long term mortality, independently of the reperfusion strategy utilized. Primary angioplasty was associated to a greater benefit, compared to thrombolysis among hyperglycemic patients with an odds ratio: 2.9, 95% confi dence intervals: 1.0-8.0 and a hazard ratio of 2.9, 95% confi dence intervals: 1.44-5.88, independently of a previous history of diabetes mellitus and TIMI risk score., Conclusions: in patients with STEMI, admission hyperglycemia is associated with a worse prognosis which was significantly improved with primary angioplasty compared to thrombolysis, independently of the admission TIMI risk score.