Literature Search: Myocardial Infarction

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Jamal, K.N., Naveed, R., Sheraz, A., Anvesha, S., Nicholas, D.M., Anthony, G.H… & Gerry, P.M. (2014). Prevalence an incidence of infarct and microvascular obstruction following different reperfusion therapies in ST-elevated myocardial infarction. Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, 16(1), 1-21.

This research was prompted by the scarcity of data on the microvascular obstruction (MVO) and infarct size (IS) as relates to the timing and mode of reperfusion therapy. In lieu of this, the authors sought to investigate the extent and prevalence of infarct size and microvascular injury by use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), as relates to the mode of perfusion after an acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. The authors involved ninety-four STEMI patients in the study. They measured CMR infarct characteristics in them, for a prolonged period of one and half years. They quantified the angiographic IRA flow using the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Scoring system. During the index admission, they performed the CMR on all the patients. Two experienced observers analyzed the CMR images offline and blinded them to patient details. They analyzed their data using independent tests and ANOVA. Their results indicated that the infarct size is smaller in thrombolysis and PPCI groups, as opposed to the patients in the R-PCI and late PCI. MVO prevalence was similar in all groups. They also found that the strongest indicators of MVO and SI are time to perfusion, TIMI-grade post PCI, the ischaemia area at risk and re-perfused patients.

Ivanov, I., Bugarski, S., Dejanovic, J., Stojisic, M.A., Bosic, R.J., & Vujin, B. (2013). Electrocardiographic signs of acute myocardial infarction in left bundle branch block. Med Pregl, LXVI(11-12), 503-506.

The authors of this article sought to find out the electrocardiographic signs of myocardial infarction, especially in the block of the left bundle branch, which would aid in the early differential diagnosis of myocardial infarction to facilitate faster initiation of therapy. They carried out their research through a review of the literature of the existing documented research about the subject. Their results indicated that, in many patients with left bundle branch block, it is a bit difficult to carry out a differential diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The authors concluded that many patients suffering from myocardial infarction with left bundle branch block are highly likely to be misdiagnosed, or have the diagnosis delayed, affecting the provision of treatment. They recommended that there is a need to define an electrocardiographic criteria that could fasten the ease of a correct diagnosis, in order to start treatment early.

HAVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL. (2014). Heart attack: Men vs. women: for both men and women, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. But their risks and symptoms can differ. Harvard Heart Letter, 24(9), 6-8.

This is an informational article about heart disease, in terms of heart block and stroke. The article centers around the differences in heart disease between men and women, especially as concerns the atypical symptomatic differences in women, and also differences in stroke between the two sexes. According to the article, clots usually block arteries in men, while they are highly likely to erode in women. In addition, men are less likely to develop small vessel disease as compared to women. Sudden changes in the shape of the heart are also prevalent in women, as opposed to men. The article advises about being cautious on the causes of heart disease, like infestation with ticks. The groups at risk include athletes, who are less likely to realize heart disease in time because of their good heart functioning. Statistics also show that more women than men suffer stroke. Such occurs due to issues like childbirth, pregnancy and changes in hormones. In essence, both men and women have the opportunity to protect their cardiovascular health by dealing with risks and managing their lifestyles.