Ventricular Arrhythmias After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for STEMI.

Importance: Currently, mortality risk for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with an uncomplicated postprocedure course is low. Less is known regarding the risk of in-hospital ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Objective: To evaluate the risk of late VT and VF after primary PCI for STEMI. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included adults aged 18 years or older with STEMI treated with primary PCI between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, identified in the US National Cardiovascular Data Registry Chest Pain-MI Registry. Data were analyzed from April to December 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk of late VT (≥7 beat run of VT during STEMI hospitalization ≥1 day after PCI) or VF (any episode of VF≥1 day after PCI) associated with cardiac arrest and associations between late VT or VF and in-hospital mortality in the overall cohort and a cohort with uncomplicated STEMI without prior myocardial infarction or heart failure, systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, reinfarction, or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40%. Results: A total of 174 126 eligible patients with STEMI were treated with primary PCI at 814 sites in the study; 15 460 (8.9%) had VT or VF after primary PCI, and 4156 (2.4%) had late VT or VF. Among the eligible patients, 99 905 (57.4%) at 807 sites had uncomplicated STEMI. The median age for patients with late VT or VF overall was 63 years (IQR, 55-73 years), and 75.5% were men; the median age for patients with late VT or VF with uncomplicated STEMI was 60 years (IQR, 53-69 years), and 77.7% were men. The median length of stay was 3 days (IQR, 2-7 days) for the overall cohort with late VT or VF and 3 days (IQR, 2-4 days) for the cohort with uncomplicated STEMI with late VT or VF. The risk of late VT or VF was 2.4% (overall) and 1.7% (uncomplicated STEMI). Late VT or VF with cardiac arrest occurred in 674 patients overall (0.4%) and in 117 with uncomplicated STEMI (0.1%). LVEF was the most significant factor associated with late VT or VF with cardiac arrest (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for every 5-unit decrease ≤40%: 1.67; 95% CI, 1.54-1.85). Late VT or VF events were associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality in the overall cohort (AOR, 6.40; 95% CI, 5.63-7.29) and the cohort with uncomplicated STEMI (AOR, 8.74; 95% CI, 6.53-11.70). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, a small proportion of patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI had late VT or VF. However, late VT or VF with cardiac arrest was rare, particularly in the cohort with uncomplicated STEMI. This information may be useful when determining the optimal timing for hospital discharge after STEMI.

Sex-based analysis of NSTEMI processes of care and outcomes by hospital: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary studies demonstrate that non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) processes of care vary according to sex. Little is known regarding variation in practice between geographical areas and centers. METHODS: We identified 305 014 NSTEMI admissions in the United Kingdom (UK) Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project (MINAP), 2010-2017, including female sex (110 209). Hierarchical, multivariate logistic regression models were fitted assessing for differences in primary outcomes according to sex. Risk standardized mortality rates (RSMR) were calculated for individual hospitals to illustrate correlation with variables of interest. 'Heat-maps' were plotted to show regional and sex-based variation in opportunity-based quality-indicator score (surrogate for optimal processes of care). RESULTS: Women presented older (77y vs. 69y, P < 0.001) and were more often Caucasian (93% vs. 91%, P < 0.001). Women were less frequently managed with an invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) (58% vs. 75%, P < 0.001) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (35% vs. 49%, P < 0.001)). In our hospital-clustered analysis, we show positive correlation between the RSMR and increasing proportion of women treated for NSTEMI (R2 = 0.17, P < 0.001). There was clear negative correlation between proportion of women who had an optimum OBQI score during their admission and RSMR (R2 = 0.22, P < 0.001), with weaker correlation in men (R2 = 0.08, P < 0.001). Heat-maps according to clinical commissioning group (CCG) demonstrate significant regional variation in OBQI score, with women receiving poorer quality care throughout the UK. CONLUSION: There was a significant in variation of the management of patients with NSTEMI according to sex, with widespread geographical variation. Structural changes are required to enable improved care for women.

Do the Few Dictate Care for the Many? Revascularisation Considerations That Go Beyond the Guidelines.

The burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) is large and growing, commonly presenting with comorbidities and older age. Patients may benefit from coronary revascularisation with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), yet half of patients with CAD who would benefit from revascularisation fall outside the eligibility criteria of trials to date. As such, the choice of revascularisation procedures varies depending on the CAD anatomy and complexity, surgical risk and comorbidities, the patient's preferences and values, and the treating team's expertise. The recent American guidelines on coronary revascularisation are comprehensive in describing recommendations for PCI, CABG, or conservative management in patients with CAD. However, individual challenging patient presentations cannot be fully captured in guidelines. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise common clinical scenarios that are not sufficiently described by contemporary clinical guidelines and trials in order to inform heart team members and trainees about the nuanced considerations and available evidence to manage such cases. We discuss clinical cases that fall beyond the current guidelines and summarise the relevant evidence evaluating coronary revascularisation for these patients. In addition, we highlight gaps in knowledge based on a lack of research (eg, ineligibility of certain patient populations), underrepresentation in research (eg, underenrollment of female and non-White patients), and the surge in newer minimally invasive and hybrid techniques. We argue that ultimately, evidence-based medicine, patient preference, shared decision making, and effective heart team communications are necessary to best manage complex CAD presentations potentially benefitting from revascularisation with CABG or PCI.

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Management of the Comatose Adult Patient With an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, accounting for ≈50% of all cardiovascular deaths. The prognosis of such individuals is poor, with <10% surviving to hospital discharge. Survival with a favorable neurologic outcome is highest among individuals who present with a witnessed shockable rhythm, received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, achieve return of spontaneous circulation within 15 minutes of arrest, and have evidence of ST-segment elevation on initial ECG after return of spontaneous circulation. The cardiac catheterization laboratory plays an important role in the coordinated Chain of Survival for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The catheterization laboratory can be used to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and resuscitative support after sudden cardiac arrest from many different cardiac causes, but it has a unique importance in the treatment of cardiac arrest resulting from underlying coronary artery disease. Over the past few years, numerous trials have clarified the role of the cardiac catheterization laboratory in the management of resuscitated patients or those with ongoing cardiac arrest. This scientific statement provides an update on the contemporary approach to managing resuscitated patients or those with ongoing cardiac arrest.

Acute Myocardial Infarction: Etiologies and Mimickers in Young Patients.

Acute myocardial infarction is an important cause of death worldwide. While it often affects patients of older age, acute myocardial infarction is garnering more attention as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among young patients (<45 years of age). More specifically, there is a focus on recognizing the unique etiologies for myocardial infarction in these younger patients as nonatherosclerotic etiologies occur more frequently in this population. As such, there is a potential for delayed and inaccurate diagnoses and treatments that can carry serious clinical implications. The understanding of acute myocardial infarction manifestations in young patients is evolving, but there remains a significant need for better strategies to rapidly diagnose, risk stratify, and manage such patients. This comprehensive review explores the various etiologies for acute myocardial infarction in young adults and outlines the approach to efficient diagnosis and management for these unique patient phenotypes.

A Practical Approach to Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

The treatment of left main (LM) coronary artery disease (CAD) requires complex decision-making. Recent clinical practice guidelines provide clinicians with guidance; however, decisions regarding treatment for individual patients can still be difficult. The American College of Cardiology's Cardiac Surgery Team and Interventional Council joined together to develop a practical approach to the treatment of LM CAD, taking into account randomized clinical trial, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines. The various presentations of LM CAD based on anatomy and physiology are presented. Recognizing the complexity of LM CAD, which rarely presents isolated and is often in combination with multivessel disease, a treatment algorithm with medical therapy alone or in conjunction with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting is proposed. A heart team approach is recommended that accounts for clinical, procedural, operator, and institutional factors, and features shared decision-making that meets the needs and preferences of each patient and their specific clinical situation.

Treatment Time and In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, 2018-2021.

Importance: Recognizing the association between timely treatment and less myocardial injury for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), US national guidelines recommend specific treatment-time goals. Objective: To describe these process measures and outcomes for a recent cohort of patients. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional study of a diagnosis-based registry between the second quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2021 for 114 871 patients with STEMI treated at 648 hospitals in the Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease registry. Exposures: STEMI or STEMI equivalent. Main Outcomes and Measures: Treatment times, in-hospital mortality, and adherence to system goals (75% treated ≤90 minutes of first medical contact if the first hospital is percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]-capable and ≤120 minutes if patients require transfer to a PCI-capable hospital). Results: In the study population, median age was 63 (IQR, 54-72) years, 71% were men, and 29% were women. Median time from symptom onset to PCI was 148 minutes (IQR, 111-226) for patients presenting to PCI-capable hospitals by emergency medical service, 195 minutes (IQR, 127-349) for patients walking in, and 240 minutes (IQR, 166-402) for patients transferred from another hospital. Adjusted in-hospital mortality was lower for those treated within target times vs beyond time goals for patients transported via emergency medical services (first medical contact to laboratory activation ≤20 minutes [in-hospital mortality, 3.6 vs 9.2] adjusted OR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.48-0.60], and first medical contact to device ≤90 minutes [in-hospital mortality, 3.3 vs 12.1] adjusted OR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.36-0.44]), walk-in patients (hospital arrival to device ≤90 minutes [in-hospital mortality, 1.8 vs 4.7] adjusted OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.40-0.55]), and transferred patients (door-in to door-out time <30 minutes [in-hospital mortality, 2.9 vs 6.4] adjusted OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32-0.78], and first hospital arrival to device ≤120 minutes [in-hospital mortality, 4.3 vs 14.2] adjusted OR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.26-0.71]). Regardless of mode of presentation, system goals were not met in most quarters, with the most delayed system performance among patients requiring interhospital transfer (17% treated ≤120 minutes). Conclusions and Relevance: This study of patients with STEMI included in a US national registry provides information on changes in process and outcomes between 2018 and 2021.

Recent Advances in Stent Technology: Do They Reduce Cardiovascular Events?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Drug-eluting stents are used in nearly all cases of percutaneous coronary revascularization and have been shown to be superior to balloon angioplasty or bare metal stents. The designs of these stents are continually evolving to maximize efficacy and safety. RECENT FINDINGS: This review outlines the important components of a drug-eluting stent and highlights the changes in stent design that have led to the optimization of clinical outcomes. Most stents used in contemporary times are thin strut, durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DES) that elute either everolimus or zotarolimus. Newer DES designs incorporating bioresorbable polymers or ultrathin struts have shown encouraging safety and efficacy profiles. DES are essential for the management of patients with obstructive coronary artery disease and are used in most coronary interventions. Changes in stent designs over the past 30 years reflect the ongoing need to address the limitations of earlier stents aimed to improve patient outcomes.

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Coronary Artery Revascularization Guidelines for Managing the Nonculprit Artery in STEMI.

The 2021 Coronary Artery Disease revascularization guidelines of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) provide recommendations for managing nonculprit arteries in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Although staged revascularization is preferred, at times same-setting intervention, coronary artery bypass surgery, or medical therapy may be preferable. These cases exemplify clinical scenarios for treating nonculprit arteries in STEMI. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Differences in Social Hardships in Women and Men with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Impact on 30-Day Readmission.

Background: Studies have shown that women with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have a higher prevalence of unfavorable social variables then men and have a worse outcome. Less is known regarding the impact of these social variables on 30-day readmission after AMI. Materials and Methods: We analyzed adult patients with AMI enrolled in a Quality Improvement Program intended to improve the peri-discharge care of patients with an AMI, and decrease all-cause 30-day unplanned readmissions. We compared clinical and social variables by gender. Multivariate logistic regression, with separate adjustment for clinical and for social variable, was used to measure adjusted odds for readmission by gender. Results: Among 208 patients included in our project 68 (32.7%) were women. Only 30.9% of women were married or had domestic partner at the time of the interview and only 16.2% were employed. Nearly half of women (48.5%) needed help with medical care, and 39.7% of women did not speak English as their first language. These variables were significantly different by gender. Rates of 30-day readmissions were higher in women than men (22.1% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.024). After adjusting for clinical variables this difference by gender in 30-day readmissions remained significant (odds ratio [OR] 3.34 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-11.1, p = 0.049). However, when adjusting for social variables, this difference was no longer noted (OR 0.87 95% CI 0.27-2.78, p = 0.822). Conclusion: Women with AMI are more likely than men to have unfavorable social factors that can impact recovery from AMI and women have a higher 30-day readmission rate. The higher 30-day readmissions in women appears to be influenced by these social factors. Health care interventions aimed at reducing 30-day readmission after AMI should focus on eliciting a detailed social history and providing aid for those requiring additional social support at home.

Readmission in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in 4 Age Groups (<45, >45 to <60, 60 to <75, and >75).

The incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) among younger adults is increasing due to an increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Readmissions after STEMI in young patients could lead to substantial health care costs and a significant burden on health care resources. Although STEMI readmissions are well studied in elderly patients, limited data are available regarding readmissions after STEMI in young patients and the etiologies remain poorly understood. Because younger patients with STEMI have different sociodemographic profiles th;an older patients with STEMI, one would postulate that the risk factors for readmissions in young patients would differ from that reported in the older patients with STEMI. We performed a contemporary nationwide study using the 2016 and 2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify patterns of readmissions after STEMI in the young adult population. Our analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database revealed a total of 243,747 hospitalizations for STEMI between 2016 and 2017. Readmission rates demonstrated a steady increase from discharge, increasing to 7.8% at 30 days and 10.3% at 60 days before relatively plateauing at 12.1% at 90 days. Cardiovascular etiologies were the most common cause of readmission (53.6%). After multivariable analysis, development of cardiogenic shock (adjusted odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.97; p = 0.008) and acute renal failure (adjusted odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.87; p = 0.003) during the index admission were associated with significantly higher rates of readmission. In conclusion, close monitoring in young patients who presented with STEMI and concomitant with cardiogenic shock or acute renal failure, and possibly, aggressive therapy during index admission may be needed. However, this population may be heterogeneous and further research is needed.

The Heart Team for Coronary Revascularization Decisions: 2 Illustrative Cases.

The 2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI coronary artery disease revascularization guideline highlights the importance of the multidisciplinary heart team in making patient-centered, evidence-based clinical decisions for patients considered for coronary revascularization. We present 2 cases highlighting aspects of heart team decision making for complex patients with coronary artery disease. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Delays to Hospital Presentation in Women and Men with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Multi-Center Analysis of Patients Hospitalized in New York City.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown longer delays from symptom onset to hospital presentation (S2P time) in women than men with acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study is to understand the reasons for delays in seeking care among women and men presenting with an ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) through a detailed assessment of the thoughts, perceptions and patterns of behavior. PATIENTS/METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 218 patients with STEMI treated with primary angioplasty at four New York City Hospitals were interviewed (24% female; Women: 68.7 ± 13.1 years and men: 60.7 ± 13.8 years) between January 2009 and August 2012. A significantly larger percentage of women than men had no chest pain (62% vs 36%, p<0.01). Compared to men, a smaller proportion of women thought they were having a myocardial infarction (15% vs 34%, p=0.01). A larger proportion of women than men had S2P time >90 minutes (72% of women vs 54% of men, p= 0.03). Women were more likely than men to hesitate before seeking help, and more women than men hesitated because they did not think they were having an AMI (91% vs 83%, p=0.04). Multivariate regression analysis showed that female sex (Odds Ratio: 2.46, 95% CI 1.10-5.60 P=0.03), subjective opinion it was not an AMI (Odds Ratio 2.44, 95% CI 1.20-5.0, P=0.01) and level of education less than high school (Odds ratio 7.21 95% CI 1.59-32.75 P=0.01) were independent predictors for S2P >90 minutes. CONCLUSION: Women with STEMI have longer pre-hospital delays than men, which are associated with a higher prevalence of atypical symptoms and a lack of belief in women that they are having an AMI. Greater focus should be made on educating women (and men) regarding the symptoms of STEMI, and the importance of a timely response to these symptoms.