Presence Of ST-segment Depression Research Articles

ST-segment depression and left ventricular systolic function recovery post-atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure.

Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The impact of ST-segment depression before CA on LVEF recovery and clinical outcomes remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ST-segment depression during AF rhythm before CA and improvement in the LVEF and clinical outcomes in persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) patients with HFrEF. The present study included 122 PerAF patients (male; 98 patients, 80%, mean age: 69 [56, 76] years) from the Osaka Rosai Atrial Fibrillation ablation (ORAF) registry who had LVEF<50% and underwent an initial ablation. The patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting within the past 1month were not included in the enrolled patients. We assigned the patients based on the presence of ST-segment depression before CA during AF rhythm and evaluated improvement in the LVEF (LVEF≥15%) 1year after CA and the relationship between ST-segment depression and heart failure (HF) hospitalization/major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which are defined as a composite of HF hospitalization, cardiovascular death, hospitalization due to coronary artery disease, ventricular arrhythmia requiring hospitalization and stroke. The percentage of patients with improvement in the LVEF 1year after CA was significantly lower in the patients with ST-segment depression than those without (58.6% vs. 79.7%, P=0.012). Multiple regression analysis showed ST-segment depression was independently and significantly associated with improvement in the LVEF 1year after CA (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.129-0.928, P=0.035). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the patients with ST-segment depression significantly had higher risk of HF hospitalization and MACE than those without (log rank P=0.022 and log rank P=0.002, respectively). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that ST-segment depression was independently and significantly associated with a higher risk of MACE (HR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.210-6.584, P=0.016). ST-segment depression before CA during AF rhythm was useful prognostic predictor of improvement in the LVEF and clinical outcomes including HF hospitalization and MACE in PerAF patients with HFrEF.

Relationship between pre-procedural non-ischemic ST-segment depression and the clinical outcomes after catheter ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation patients

Abstract Background ST-segment depression suggests the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) during sinus rhythm, but the clinical significance, including the outcomes after catheter ablation (CA), in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients remains unknown. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between non-ischemic ST-segment depression during AF rhythm before CA and late arrhythmia recurrence in persistent AF (PerAF) patients. Methods The present study included PerAF patients from the Osaka Rosai Atrial Fibrillation ablation (ORAF) registry who underwent an initial ablation and had no history of CAD. We assigned the patients based on the presence of ST-segment depression before CA and evaluated the impact of relevant factors on ST-segment depression and the relationship between ST-segment depression, including leads locations (anterior leads, inferior leads, and lateral leads) or depression type (upsloping, horizontal and downsloping) or the degree of ST-segment depression and late recurrence of AF (LRAF). Results This study population included a total of 551 patients of which 189 had ST-segment depression. The median follow-up duration was 397 days and LRAF occurred in 195 patients. By multiple regression analysis, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin, brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrial diameter were significant determinants of ST-segment depression before CA. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the patients with ST-segment depression had a significantly greater risk of LRAF than those without (p&amp;lt;0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed ST-segment depression was independently and significantly associated with a higher risk of LRAF (p&amp;lt;0.001). The patients with ST-segment depression≥0.15mV had a significantly higher risk of LRAF than those with ST-segment depression≥0.15mV (p&amp;lt;0.001). No significant differences among the ST-segment depression leads locations and ST-segment depression type were observed. Conclusion Non-ischemic ST-segment depression during AF rhythm was significantly associated with LRAF post CA in PerAF patients.

Relationship between pre-procedural non-ischemic ST-segment depression and the clinical outcomes after catheter ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation patients

BackgroundST-segment depression suggests the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) during sinus rhythm, but the clinical significance, including the outcomes after catheter ablation (CA), in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients remain unknown. MethodsThe present study included persistent AF (PerAF) patients from the Osaka Rosai Atrial Fibrillation ablation (ORAF) registry who underwent an initial ablation and had no history of CAD. We assigned the patients based on the presence of ST-segment depression before CA and evaluated the impact of relevant factors on ST-segment depression and the relationship between ST-segment depression, including leads locations (anterior leads, inferior leads, and lateral leads) or depression type (upsloping, horizontal, and downsloping) or the degree of ST-segment depression and late recurrence of AF (LRAF). ResultsThis study population included a total of 551 patients of whom 189 had ST-segment depression. The median follow-up duration was 397 days and LRAF occurred in 195 patients. By multiple regression analysis, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin, brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial diameter were significant determinants of ST-segment depression before CA. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the patients with ST-segment depression had a significantly greater risk of LRAF than those without (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed ST-segment depression was independently and significantly associated with a higher risk of LRAF (p < 0.001). The patients with ST-segment depression ≥0.15 mV had a significantly higher risk of LRAF than those with ST-segment depression ≥0.15 mV (p < 0.001). No significant differences among the ST-segment depression lead locations and ST-segment depression type were observed. ConclusionNon-ischemic ST-segment depression during AF rhythm was significantly associated with LRAF post CA in PerAF patients.

Midventricular takotsubo syndrome: different dyskinesia location leading to a different electrocardiogram?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Takotsubo syndrome (TKS) is characterized by the appearance of apical reversible dyskinesia in its typical form. Electrocardiogram (ECG) in the acute phase (&amp;lt;12 from symptom onset) generally shows anterior ST segment elevation. Nonetheless, other atypical forms of TKS have been described depending on the location of the dyskinetic segments, such as, mid-ventricular, basal and focal forms. Considering the different segments involved in these atypical forms, it seems reasonable to consider that ST changes in acute phase ECG could be different. Purpose To compare ECG in the acute phase of typical TKS versus mid-ventricular TKS, as it was the more frequent form of atypical TKS in our registry. Methods Patients included in the prospective TKS registry of our center according to the Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria, with the first ECG performed less than 12 hours from the symptoms onset were reviewed. All cardiac left ventriculographies were reviewed to ensure a correct classification of the different types of TKS. Results A total of 297 patients were included in our local registry. 80 patients met our study inclusion criteria. 56 ECGs of typical apical TKS were compared to 24 ECGs of atypical midventricular TKS. There were no differences between the baseline characteristics in both groups, except for mid-ventricular TKS, that was more frequently triggered by physical stressor. Regarding the ECG analysis, the main difference found in our serie was related to ST-segment deviation (Table 1). While ST-segment elevation was more common in typical TKS than in atypical TKS (73% vs 50%), ST-segment depression (generally in inferior leads) was observed in 54% of patients with atypical TKS and in no patient with typical TKS (figure 1). Conclusion The different location of dyskinesia between typical TKS and mid-ventricular TKS is associated to significant differences in the ECG obtained in the first hours after the onset of the clinical symptoms. The presence of ST-segment depression is highly suggestive of mid-ventricular TKS. ECG characteristicsTypical (n = 56)Midventricular (n = 24)pSTe &amp;gt; 1mm, no (%)41 (73)12 (50)0,044STd &amp;gt;0,5 mm, no (%)013 (54)&amp;lt; 0,001T wave inversion, no (%)12 (21)4 (17)0,626Q wave, no (%)22 ( 39)12 (50)0,374cQT, mean (SD)445 (54)438 (37)0,578QRS low voltages*, n (%)9 ( 16)1 (4)0,328STe ST-segment elevation, STd: ST-segment depression, cQT: corrected QT interval *Voltages &amp;lt;5mm in all limb leads or &amp;lt;10mm in all precordial leads Abstract Figure. 12-lead ECG and left ventriculography

Electrocardiogram predictors of multivessel disease in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: The objective was to study the role of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in predicting the association of severe stenosis of other coronary arteries along with infarct-related artery in patients who presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and Methods: We studied the admission ECG, clinical records, and coronary angiography of 201 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI within the first 12 h of symptoms. Patients with first episode of STEMI and coronary angiogram showing coronary artery disease between January 2015 and July 2016 were included in this study. Results: Most of the patients in this study were males (82.1%). The mean age of the patients was 55.20 ± 11.79 years. Diabetic mellitus (37.8%), hypertension (37%), and smoking (49.7%) were the main risk factors. This study had 117 (58.2%) patients of anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI) (Group I) while inferior wall MI was present in 84 (41.8%) patients (Group II). In Group I, 83 (70.9%) patients had single-vessel disease (SVD) while 34 (29.1%) patients had multivessel disease (MVD). The presence of ST-segment depression ≥0.1 mV in leads I, aVL, and V6 significantly correlated with the presence of MVD (P = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). In Group II, 39 (51.3%) patients had SVD while 37 (48.7%) patients had MVD. The presence of ST-segment depression in leads aVL, V5, and V6 significantly correlated with the presence of MVD (P = 0.049, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The presence of ST-segment depression of ≥0.1 mv in leads I, aVL, and V6 on admission ECG in the setting of acute anterior wall STEMI and in leads aVL, V5, and V6 on admission ECG in the setting of acute inferior wall STEMI was associated with MVD.

The ST segment depression pattern in asymptomatic peri-menopausal female athletes

BackgroundST segment has not been well investigated in asymptomatic peri-menopausal female athletes, when the CV risk is higher. AimsThe aims of the study is to investigate the prevalence of ST segment depression in peri-menopausal female athletes, divided in four age groups. Methodsin a cohort of 6010 female athletes aged 45–65 years old, 161 subjects were selected for the presence of ST segment depression, revealed by maximal ergometric test. All athletes were also evaluated by physical examination and echocardiography. Inclusion criteria for ST segment depression were ST depression >0.5 mm respect to baseline and its depth was divided in 0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm, 1–2 mm categories. Its behavior was classified in ascending, horizontal and descending and it was studied in relation to the age range (<51; 51–55; 56–60; >60). ResultsST segment depression was mainly evident in inferolateral leads in all groups (63%, 70,3%, 71%, 63,6%, for <51; 51–55, 56–60 and 61–65 respectively) with horizontal pattern (52,2%, 59,5%, 57,8%, 63,6%) and 1–2 mm depth (43,5%, 46,7%, 60,6%), with the exception of the range 51–55, mainly showing a depth of 0,5-1 mm (45,9%). The older group showed increased SBP (137.5 mmHg, p = 0.007) and BMI (24.3, p = 0.093) values. Mitral prolapse was shown in 11,8% while 36,6% showed systolic flattening of mitral leaflets. ConclusionsST depression in asymptomatic menopausal female athletes is frequent and it is characterized by a specific presentation pattern. This is particularly important in the menopausal age when CV risk factors are more prevalent.

The association between electrocardiographic R wave peak time and coronary artery disease severity in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate possible association between QRS duration (QRSD), R wave peak time (RWPT), and coronary artery disease severity identified using the SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with unstable angina pectoris (USAP) or non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). MethodA total of 176 USAP/NSTEMI patients were enrolled in the study. ResultsThe high SS group (>22, n:45) patients had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM); presence of ST segment depression ≥0.5 mm and 1 mm; ST segment elevation in the AVR lead (AVRSTE); longer QRSD and RWPT; and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) than the low SS group (≤22, n: 131). The LVEF, AVRSTE, and RWPT (OR: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.003–1.067; p = 0.030) were independent predictors of high SS. ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that RWPT and AVRSTE could be used as predictors of high SS.

Clinical Significance of ST Segment Depression in Lead aVR to Predict Culprit Artery in An Acute Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction

Background and Aims: The main objective of this study is to analyze between left circumflex artery and right coronary artery as a presumptive predictor of a culprit artery in patients with an acute inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction according to ST segment change in lead aVR. Methods: This study included 145 consecutive patients who presented with an inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction and underwent coronary angiography. Clinical and angiographic findings were compared between patients with and without aVR depression ≥ 0. 1mV. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of ST segment depression in lead aVR to predict left circumflex artery as the culprit artery were 69% and 85%, respectively, and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value to predict left circumflex artery as the culprit arteries were 66% and 87%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study supports, the presence of ST segment depression in lead aVR is associated with good specificity and negative predictive value and modest sensitivity and positive predictive value to determine left circumflex artery as an infarct related artery in an acute ST segment elevation inferior wall myocardial infarction.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12324 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 5-9

Significance of ST-segment Depression during Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia

Background: ST-segment depression in ECG is a common finding during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The exact mechanism and etiology of this ST-segment depression is not always evident. In this study we have tried to evaluate the significance of ST-segment depression during supraventricular tachycardia. Methods: Hospitalized patients for elective electrophysiological study with previous (EPS) history of supraventricular tachycardia with or without ST-segment depression were evaluated clinically, by coronary angiogram and EPS. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods and comparison made between groups with ST-segment depression (Group A) and without ST-segment depression (Group B). Results: Total number of patients was 66. Equal number of patients (33) was in each group. The mean age of patients was 43.8 years. There was female predominance (M:F ratio 2:3). The mean heart rate during supraventricular tachycardia was 161 beats/min. Age, sex, coronary artery disease risk factors and heart rate during an episode of supraventricular tachycardia did not have any significant influence on ST-segment depression. Significant coronary artery disease was found in two patients in Group A and one patient in Group B. Electrophysiological study revealed that Atrio ventricular reentry tachycardia (AVRT) and AV nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) were present in 28 (42.4%) and 38 (57.6%) cases respectively. Patients of group A exhibit AVRT significantly more than patients of group B.The sensitivity of ST-segment depression in correctly diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) was 66.7% while the specificity was 50.8%. The sensitivity of ST-segment depression in correctly differentiating AVRT was 83.3% while the specificity was 66.7%. The positive predictive value (PPV) and Negative predictive value (NPV) of the test were 75% and 76.9% respectively. Conclusion: ST-segment depression during episode of supraventricular tachycardia is a poor indicator of coronary artery disease. Presence of ST-segment depression can differentiate AVRT from AVNRT. However, &gt;2 mm ST-segment depression was proved to be an excellent predictor of AVRT. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v7i2.22249 Cardiovasc. j. 2015; 7(2): 93-97

Comparative Study between 12 and 15 Lead Electrocardiograms for Evaluation of Acute Posterior Myocardial Infarction

Background: The ECG diagnosis of acute posterior infarction has traditionally been based on the presence of ST segment depression on the pericardial chest leads. However, such ST segment depression is neither specific nor sensitive for the diagnosis of a posterior infarction. Detection of ST segment elevation in V7- V9 in 15 lead ECG can help in early diagnosis of acute Posterior myocardial infarction. Method: Total of 100 patients Inferior myocardial infarction was evaluated by Electrocardiography in standard 12 lead and 15 lead. The patients were categorized into group I having posterior/ and or associated changes and group II having without posterior changes in ECG. Echocardiography and LVgraphy was done to evaluate the posterior wall movement. Result: For diagnosis of posterior myocardial infarction, 43.3% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity was found in 12 lead ECG, whereas in 15 lead ECG it was 80.0% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity. Conclusion: 15 Lead ECGs (including V7-V9) more sensitive than 12 lead ECGs in diagnosis of acute posterior myocardial infarction. Patient with inferior myocardial infarction or anterior ischemia developed more complications if associated with acute posterior myocardial infarction. 15 lead ECGs can routinely be used in patients with ischaemic type of chest pain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10460 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 153-163

Usefulness of the Admission Electrocardiogram to Predict Long-Term Outcomes After Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (from the FRISC II, ICTUS, and RITA-3 [FIR] Trials)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent prognostic value of qualitative and quantitative admission electrocardiographic (ECG) analysis regarding long-term outcomes after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). From the Fragmin and Fast Revascularization During Instability in Coronary Artery Disease (FRISC II), Invasive Versus Conservative Treatment in Unstable Coronary Syndromes (ICTUS), and Randomized Intervention Trial of Unstable Angina 3 (RITA-3) patient-pooled database, 5,420 patients with NSTE-ACS with qualitative ECG data, of whom 2,901 had quantitative data, were included in this analysis. The main outcome was 5-year cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated with Cox regression models, and adjustments were made for established outcome predictors. The additional discriminative value was assessed with the category-less net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement indexes. In the 5,420 patients, the presence of ST-segment depression (≥1 mm; adjusted HR 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 1.63) and left bundle branch block (adjusted HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.28) were independently associated with long-term cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Risk increases were short and long term. On quantitative ECG analysis, cumulative ST-segment depression (≥5 mm; adjusted HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.70), the presence of left bundle branch block (adjusted HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.40) or ≥6 leads with inverse T waves (adjusted HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.55) was independently associated with long-term outcomes. No interaction was observed with treatment strategy. No improvements in net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were observed after the addition of quantitative characteristics to a model including qualitative characteristics. In conclusion, in the FRISC II, ICTUS, and RITA-3 NSTE-ACS patient-pooled data set, admission ECG characteristics provided long-term prognostic value for cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Quantitative ECG characteristics provided no incremental discrimination compared to qualitative data.

Importance of Reciprocal ST Segment Depression in the Extensive Coronary Artery Disease

Aim: We investigated the relationship between the severity of reciprocal ST depression and the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with inferior myocardial infarction. Method: Ninety-five consecutive patients (52 women 43 men, with a mean age of 54±5 years) who had acute inferior myocardial infarction were included in the study. Reciprocal changes in the ST segment were defined as ST depression of >1 mm in at least two out of four of the precordial leads V1–V4. All the patients had undergone coronary angiography within seven days of admission. The extension of coronary artery disease which was measured by Gensini and Reardon scores, was compared with the reciprocal changes on ECG recorded at the time of admission. Result: There was a significant correlation between reciprocal ST depression and disease extension (r=0.68 for Gensini score, r= 0.88 for Reardon score, p<0.05 for both). Conclusion: The presence of ST segment depression in the precordial leads during the acute inferior myocardial infarction was associated with greater myocardial necrosis and more frequent left coronary artery disease.

ST-Segment Depression in Hyperventilation Indicates a False Positive Exercise Test in Patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse

Objectives. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a known cause for false positive exercise test (ET). The purpose of this study was to establish additional electrocardiographic criteria to distinguish the false positive exercise results in patients with MVP. Methods. We studied 218 consecutive patients (53 ± 6 years, 103 males) with MVP (according to echocardiographic study), and positive treadmill ET was performed due to multiple cardiovascular risk factors or angina-like symptoms. A coronary angiography was performed to detect coronary artery disease (CAD). Results. From 218 patients, 90 (group A) presented with normal coronary arteries according to the angiography (false positive ET) while the rest 128 (group B) presented with CAD. ST-segment depression in hyperventilation phase was present in 54 patients of group A (60%) while only in 14 patients of group B (11%), P < .05. Conclusions. Presence of ST-segment depression in hyperventilation phase favors a false positive ET in patients with MVP.

Clinical Implications of Electrocardiograms for Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes in the Interventional Era

In patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, early risk stratification is crucial for appropriate management of this condition and for deciding whether early invasive strategies should be adopted. The electrocardiogram (ECG) has been extensively used for risk stratification, and the presence of ST-segment depression is an especially strong predictor of poor outcomes. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of ST-segment depression, ie, the degree and extent of ST-segment depression, and the time from symptom onset to the evaluation of ECG provide important information on prognosis. ST-segment elevation in lead a V(R) in addition to ST-segment depression in other leads is a very valuable marker of left main and/or 3-vessel disease. This review explores the clinical importance of the ECG in the current interventional era.

Exercise tolerance test for predicting coronary heart disease in asymptomatic individuals: A review

In symptom-free subjects, exercise tolerance testing (ETT) has a doubtful utility for detecting latent coronary heart disease (CHD) because of frequent false positives, but it may be valuable for predicting future CHD. To clarify the latter question, we calculated CHD incidence associated with presence or absence of ETT-induced abnormalities of ST-segment depression, exercise capacity, and heart rate using published prospective ETT studies in primary prevention populations. Based on 5–23 years of follow-up, yearly incidence of fatal and non-fatal CHD ranged from 0.9 to 5.8% in the presence of ST-segment depression and from 1.2 to 1.7% in the presence of impaired maximal heart rate, and pooling of all data provided a linear positive relationship between pre- and post-test CHD incidence. Yearly incidence of CHD death was 0.8% in the presence of ST-segment depression, 0.2–0.3% in the presence of impaired heart rate recovery, and 0.5% in the presence of low exercise capacity. Absence of ST-segment depression was associated with <1.5% yearly incidence of fatal and non-fatal CHD events, except for one study and <0.2% yearly incidence of CHD or CVD death in all populations analyzed. Lastly ETT-induced ST-segment depression conveys a CHD risk superior to that associated with ETT-induced heart rate and exercise capacity abnormalities. This may be due to difference in pretest CHD incidences in ETT studies.

PO1-23 ACAT2 AND HUMAN HEPATIC CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM: IDENTIFICATION OF IMPORTANT GENDER-RELATED DIFFERENCES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent prognostic value of qualitative and quantitative admission electrocardiographic (ECG) analysis regarding long-term outcomes after non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). From the Fragmin and Fast Revascularization During Instability in Coronary Artery Disease (FRISC II), Invasive Versus Conservative Treatment in Unstable Coronary Syndromes (ICTUS), and Randomized Intervention Trial of Unstable Angina 3 (RITA-3) patient-pooled database, 5,420 patients with NSTE-ACS with qualitative ECG data, of whom 2,901 had quantitative data, were included in this analysis. The main outcome was 5-year cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated with Cox regression models, and adjustments were made for established outcome predictors. The additional discriminative value was assessed with the category-less net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement indexes. In the 5,420 patients, the presence of ST-segment depression (≥1 mm; adjusted HR 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 1.63) and left bundle branch block (adjusted HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.28) were independently associated with long-term cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Risk increases were short and long term. On quantitative ECG analysis, cumulative ST-segment depression (≥5 mm; adjusted HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.70), the presence of left bundle branch block (adjusted HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.40) or ≥6 leads with inverse T waves (adjusted HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.55) was independently associated with long-term outcomes. No interaction was observed with treatment strategy. No improvements in net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were observed after the addition of quantitative characteristics to a model including qualitative characteristics. In conclusion, in the FRISC II, ICTUS, and RITA-3 NSTE-ACS patient-pooled data set, admission ECG characteristics provided long-term prognostic value for cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Quantitative ECG characteristics provided no incremental discrimination compared to qualitative data.

Is the chest pain in cardiac syndrome X due to subendocardial ischaemia?

Over the past 30 years, the issue of chest pain in patients with a normal coronary angiogram has received much attention.1 The interest in this condition, which has also been termed cardiac syndrome X when the pain is accompanied by ST-segment depression during exercise electrocardiography, has two main reasons: (i) The first is clinical. Does the patient have heart disease? Can the condition be effectively treated? Is the patient's life expectancy shortened? (ii) The second one is relative to the pathophysiology of this condition. Is the chest pain in patients with syndrome X of ischaemic origin? And if the pain is due to myocardial ischaemia what are the mechanisms? Clinically, in a significant proportion of patients with a history of chest pain, the coronary angiogram does not show significant narrowing of the vessel lumen. These patients usually have a poor response to conventional anti-ischaemic therapy, which may lead to the unnecessary performance of repeated coronary angiograms over the years because of recurrence of chest pain. With regard to their prognosis, a number of studies have consistently shown that these patients have a life expectancy similar to that of the general population,2 with the exception of those with conduction abnormalities such as left bundle branch block that may develop dilated cardiomyopathy during follow-up.3 From the pathophysiological point of view things are far from clear. The initial hypothesis that the chest pain is of ischaemic origin was based on the presence of ST-segment depression during spontaneous or stress-induced chest pain, as well as on the evidence of reversible stress-induced myocardial perfusion defects. Furthermore, some studies have provided evidence of reduced endothelium-dependent and independent coronary vasodilatation as well as metabolic evidence of myocardial ischaemia.4 Other studies, however, … Corresponding author. Tel: +44 20 8383 3186; fax: +44 20 8383 3742. E-mail address : paolo.camici{at}csc.mrc.ac.uk

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Prognostic value of the admission electrocardiogram in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with very early revascularization

Study Question: The study goals were to determine if very early revascularization might ameliorate the adverse prognosis associated with ST-segment depression in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Method: In this prospective cohort study, 1450 consecutive patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation MI were stratified by either the presence of ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion, or no changes on the admission electrocardiogram (ECG). All patients underwent coronary angiography and, if appropriate, revascularization within 24 h after admission. The primary end point of the study was all-cause mortality. Results: During up to 59 months of follow-up, the in-hospital mortality rate was 2.1% (19/895) in patients with no ECG changes, 4% (6/136) in those with ST-segment depression, and 0.2% (1/419) in those with no ECG changes, 19.9% (n=18) in at 36 months was 8.0% (n=49) in patients with no ECG changes, 19.9% (n=18) in patients with ST-segment depression, and 5.1% (n=13) in patients with T-wave inversion (p=0.0001 by log-rank). After adjustment for potential cofounders, ST-segment depression (hazard ratio [HR]=2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–4.6) and T-wave inversion (HR=0.44; 95% CI: 0.20–0.96) were associated with long-term mortality. Conclusions: The researchers concluded that ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion on the admission ECG are important predictors of outcome in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation MI and who are undergoing very early revascularization. Perspective: The study suggests that new ST-segment depression and new T-wave inversion on the admission ECG herald very different prognoses in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation MI who undergo very early revascularization. In contrast to the considerable morbidity and mortality seen in patients with ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion appears to be associated with a more favorable outcome independent of potential cofounders, including gender. DM

Gender differences in the value of ST-segment depression during adenosine stress testing

Previous studies have suggested that ST-segment depression with adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) may be a marker of significant coronary artery disease (CAD). It is unclear if the significance of ST depression differs between men and women. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of ST-segment depression with adenosine radionuclide MPI as a marker of significant CAD in men and women. Consecutive patients who had angina or suspected CAD and underwent an adenosine stress test and subsequent angiography were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were met by 959 patients. Mean age was 64 +/- 11 years, and 43% were women. ST depression occurred in 7.6% of the cohort and more often in women (64% women vs 36% men, p <0.001). Among men and women, patients with ST-segment depression had a significantly higher peak rate-pressure product, more chest pain, and a higher ejection fraction in response to the adenosine infusion compared with those without ST-segment depression. ST-segment depression occurred more often in the presence of stenotic lesions (>/=50% and >/=70%), and left main or 3-vessel disease, regardless of gender. Transient ischemic dilation occurred more often in men with ST-segment depression. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the only significant predictors of left main or 3-vessel CAD were gender, an abnormal result on MPI, transient ischemic dilation, and ST-segment depression. In conclusion, ST-segment depression during adenosine MPI is an important marker of angiographically significant CAD in men and women. The presence of ST-segment depression is associated with left main disease and 3-vessel CAD.