Effect of hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L) on outcome in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Hyponatremia is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the effect of hyponatremia on outcomes in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome and non-STEMI. All patients had a sodium level determined at time of admission, at 24 and 48 hours, and at discharge.

Comparison of frequency of new-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients on statins versus not on statins presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

The effect of statins on the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients presenting with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unknown. Our study population consisted of patients admitted to a tertiary care Veterans Administration hospital with suspicion of ACS between November 2001 and January 2006. All patients had an electrocardiogram on admission that was compared with a previous electrocardiogram to confirm new-onset AF or atrial flutter.

Impact of blood transfusions in patients presenting with anemia and suspected acute coronary syndrome.

Anemia has been shown to predict adverse events in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (MIs). Less is known about the value of blood transfusions in this setting. We sought to evaluate the impact of red blood cell transfusions on outcomes.