Risk Factors and MACE Rates in NSTEMI Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Introduction

Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a common condition in patients with acute coronary syndrome, often requiring coronary angiography for proper assessment. A recent retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in Multan, Pakistan, evaluated occluded and non-occluded NSTEMI patients, focusing on risk factors and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence of occluded coronary arteries (OCA) associated risks, and clinical outcomes.

Key Findings

  • Occlusion Rate: Among 624 patients, 36.1% had occluded NSTEMI, while 63.9% had non-occlusive cases.
  • Affected Arteries: 49.8% had occlusion in the right coronary artery, while 44% had left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion.
  • Risk Factors:
    • Age and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) were significantly associated with occlusion.
    • Other factors such as diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN), and smoking showed some correlation but lacked statistical significance.
  • MACE Rate: 4.6% of inpatients experienced MACE (re-infarction, heart failure, or death), but there was no significant difference between occluded and non-occluded groups.

Clinical Significance & Broader Implications

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Further Reading & Related Articles

Final Thoughts

Understanding the risk factors of NSTEMI occlusion helps optimize patient care and treatment strategies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to validate these findings.