FREQUENCIES AND PATTERNS OF ARRYTHMIAS IN ANTERIOR AND INFERIOR MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Frequency and Pattern of Arrythmias

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the frequency and clinical patterns of arrhythmias in anterior and inferior myocardial infarction (MI).         

Study design: A descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at critical care unit of Combined Military Hospital Kharian cantonment from January 2006 to December 2006.

Patients and Methods: Hundred patients were included in the study that fulfilled the required criteria.  They underwent detailed history taking and systemic examination. Patients were monitored through cardiac monitors and serial ECG recordings were taken especially if any rhythm disturbances were observed or if the patient suffered any symptom, till the time of discharge from the hospital. The relevant information was entered into a specially designed pro forma. All the data collected through the pro forma was analyzed through SPSS version 11 in terms of frequency, percentages and proportions.

Results: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were the most common rhythm disturbance followed by ventricular tachycardia (VT). Both were more common in anterior myocardial infarction (MI) than inferior MI. Bradyarrhythmias were more common with inferior MI. PVCs usually manifested with chest pain, VT was accompanied by palpitations and dyspnoea. Atrioventricular (AV) blocks clinically presented as syncope.

Conclusion:  PVCs are the most common rhythm disturbance after anterior and inferior MI. VT and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are frequent in anterior while bradyarrhythmias are common with inferior MI.