Assessment of post myocardial infarction left ventricular dysfunction

Abstract

Main purpose of this study was to assess post myocardial asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction using brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and to investigate comparison between related factors. In this study we have enrolled total of 71 patients with acute myocardial infarction without signs and symptoms of heart failure. Serum NT-proBNP were obtained 2 times. Cut-off point for NT-proBNP was 450 pg/ml and above this cut-off point considered as left ventricular dysfunction. According to study results, left ventricular dysfunction was diagnosed in 67.6% of the patients. Among these patients, 64.8% were diagnosed at admission and 2.8% were diagnosed during the hospital stay. For classification of the left ventricular dysfunction, 64% were preserved ejection fraction, 28% were mid-range ejection fraction and 8% were reduced ejection fraction. There was statistically significant relationship between left ventricular dysfunction and the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival (p<0.001). Significantly positive correlation existed between NT-proBNP level and serum troponin level (r-0.315, p=0.012) at admission. There was significantly negative correlation between NT-proBNP level and left ventricular ejection fraction (r-0.491, p=0.000) at discharge. Also positive correlation observed between NT-proBNP and diastolic function parameter E/e’ (r-0.370, p=0.003) at discharge. Conclusion: It is possible to reduce post myocardial left ventricular dysfunction through shortening the time from onset of symptoms to hospital arrival.