Intensive care in myocardial infarction: report on 840 cases

On the basis of 840 cases of acute myocardial infarction an account is given on the activity of a coronary-care-unit organized in a regional hospital. The technical problems involved and the procedures applied are discussed. The complications of the early phase, in particular dysrhythmias, their prevention and treatment are dealt with in detail. While the mortality due to electric failure was significantly reduced by appropriate measures the mortality resulting from muscular insufficiency could not be improved by intensive care.