Post-catheterization complications in diabetic patients with myocardial infarction

Abstract

Objective: To identify various post-catheterization complications in diabetic patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: A retrospective study design was followed to include all diabetic patients with myocardial infarction who underwent cardiac catheterization at Prince Faisal Bin Khalid Cardiac Center, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, during the past year (n=500). Data were obtained from the center’s medical record system. A data sheet was designed by the researchers and was used for data collection. Results: Most patients were males (81.4%), aged 50 years or more (78.4%), Saudi (88.8%), married (94.2%), 26% were overweight, 15.3% were obese, and 17% were current smokers. Commonly associated comorbidities mainly included dyslipidemia (63.6%), and hypertension (52%). Anticoagulants were received by almost all cases (98.8%), while 98.2% were hospitalized for 2 weeks, and 55.2% were followed up for more than 4 weeks. Most participants underwent catheterization of one or two arteries (64.8% and 25.2%, respectively). Post-catheterization complications affected 65 patients (13%), but these complications did not differ significantly according to patients’ characteristics. Conclusions: Post-catheterization complications are common among diabetic patients with myocardial infarction, mainly chest pain, thrombosis, dyspnea and death. Anticoagulants are the most commonly administered medications. Hospital stay is mainly for less than two weeks, but they usually need follow-up for more than four weeks. It is important to achieve strict control for diabetes before conducting coronary catheterization. Keywords: Myocardial infarction, diabetes, catheterization, complications.