The Impact of Acute Myocardial Infarction on Left Ventricular Systolic Function

BACKGROUND: During acute myocardial infarction left ventricular systolic function is an important prognostic factor whose worsening is still frequent despite the therapeutic approach. We aimed to estimate the incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction among patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: The study involved 154 consecutive patients admitted at Coronary Care Unit. The study design was based upon the collection of patient histories, clinical examination and other complementary tests. RESULTS: In overall study population, predominantly with male gender, the incidence of left ventricle systolic dysfunction was 42.3%, which correlated with myocardial damage, electrocardiography changes, myocardial enzymes, and myocardial wall motion. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic Echocardiography represents a valuable tool and left ventricular ejection fraction should be evaluated in all patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction since the incidence of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction remains relatively high.