Effects of delayed opening of infarct-related artery on late heart function in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction

Objective: To assess the effect of delayed opening infracted-related artery (IRA) by percutanous coronany intenvention (PCI) on the late heart function after acute anterior myocardial infarction(AAMI). Methods: Thirty two patients with acute Q-wave AAMI and with occlude IRA confirmed by coronary angiogram at 7. 4±3. 8(2-18) days after the onset were divided into the successful group, and the other seventy eight patients into control group (not receiving PCI or the PCI not re-opened). Two dimension echocardiogram was performed at acute phase (about 3 weeks) and 6 months after onset of AAMI respectively to detect the left ventricular function and its dimension. The total congestive heart failure events were recorded during the 6 months. Results: Left ventricular dimension, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and E/A were similar in the two groups at acute phase after the onset of AAMI. Left ventricular dimension was significantly smaller and LVEF and E/A were siginificantly better in the PCI group than those in the control group ( P 0.05). The rate of congestive heart failure events was 3. 2% in successful group and 22. 0% in the control group (P 0.05) respectively. Conclusion: Delayed opening of IRA in patients with AAMI can prevent the late phase ventricular remodeling and improve left ventricular function.