Risk factors for post-infarction heart rupture after sudden death in Las Tunas

Abstract

Introduction: Left ventricular free wall rupture is an infrequent complication of acute myocardial infarction, and a cause of sudden death.

Objective: To determine risk factors for heart rupture in patients with acute myocardial infarction in the Cardiology Department of Las Tunas.

Method: Case-control analytical study in 25 patients who died due to heart rupture, verified by pathological anatomy between 2011 and 2015. Descriptive statistics were used through percentage analysis and arithmetic mean for the descriptive variables. Risk factors were determined using Epi Info version 6 which determined odds ratios (OR), confidence and probability intervals for a 99%.

Results: Sixty percent of the deceased were male, with an average age of 72±16 years. Previous infarction and less than 24 hours-hospital stay predominated. Elevation of the creatine kinase enzyme above 1200 units (OR 3.23), late arrival to the first medical contact (OR 2.92) and presence of more than 7 affected leads (OR 2.57) on the electrocardiogram, were risk factors for heart rupture.

Conclusions: Elevated creatine kinase values, late arrival and presence of 7 or more affected leads in the electrocardiogram are risk factors for heart rupture.