A Study on Arrhythmias within 48 Hours of Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The profile of coronary artery disease is different in India in terms of incidence and risk factors. Indians show higher incidence of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality than other ethnic groups. Also, Gujarat region have higher prevalence. Majority of deaths in acute myocardial infarction are due to arrhythmias. These would suggest that more aggressive identification and modulation of cardiac arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction is necessary among Asian Indians, particularly Gujarat. This study is undertaken to study the profile of arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction during the first 48 hours, among survivors of hospitalization in our hospital. METHODS: This study was conducted in Sir Takhtasinhji Hospital, Bhavnagar. A total of 100 (80 males, 20 females) patients admitted to the intensive coronary care unit (ICCU) with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were included in the study. Patients are monitored for 48 hours and the pattern of arrhythmias, among survivors, were noted. RESULTS: 80 males and 20 females were studied.71 % of the patients were thrombolysed. Arrhythmias were seen in 68 % of the cases.73.5 % of the arrhythmias occurred during the first hour.42.7 % of the arrhythmias underwent spontaneous resolution.31 % of the patients had sinus bradycardia (alone and along with other arrhythmias). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that majority of the cases with acute myocardial infarction had arrhythmias. Sinus bradycardia was the commonest arrhythmia noted, followed by sinus tachycardia and ventricular premature contractions. However, they also occurred along with other arrhythmias.