Effects of Delayed PTCA on Left Ventricular Function in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: To evaluate the effects of delayed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on left ventricular function and cardiac events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Eighty-six patients(the intervention group) with AMI underwent PTCA approximately 7 days later were compared with 30 patients(the control group) that received the drug therapy only. Echocardiography and occurrance of cardiac events were recorded in the hospital and follow up. Results: Left ventricular diameter of the end of diastole and left ventricular ejection fraction were improved 6 monthes later in twenty-nine patients with heart failure and fifty-seven patients with normal heart function. The ventricular function of the intervention group was promoted compared with the control group. The occurrence of cardiac events decreased and the difference was statistical.Anterior AMI and open infarction related artery(IRA) were independent predictors of the heart function. Conclusion: Delayed PTCA could improve left ventricular function after AMI and decrease heart failure in the short or medium term.