[Heterozonal electrocardiographic changes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction].

Background: It has been observed that in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the presence of ST-segment depression (ST) in heterozonal electrocardiographic leads (remote STI) worsens the patient's prognosis. The aim of this study was to observe in an unselected population with a first STEMI the incidence of remote STI and the risk factors related to this condition.

Methods: We evaluated retrospectively 350 patients with a first STEMI; we excluded from our analysis 139 patients because no data about their coronary anatomy was available.

Reduced microvascular and myocardial damage in patients with acute myocardial infarction and preinfarction angina.

Background: After acute myocardial infarction, the presence of ischemic preconditioning as a result of preinfarction angina has a protective role, limiting necrosis extent and guaranteeing greater myocardial functional recovery. The relationship between preinfarction angina, microvascular reflow, and myocardial function is poorly known. We hypothesized that after acute myocardial infarction patients with preinfarction angina have both microvascular integrity and myocardial function preservation.