Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Mouse Model of Hemorrhagic Transformation Induced by Acute Hyperglycemia Combined with Transient Focal Ischemia
Published on: November 15, 2024
Acute hyperglycemia and spontaneous reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction
David Leibowitz1, Johannes Nowatzky, A Teddy Weiss
1Coronary Care Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel. oleibo@hadassah.org
Insights
Acute hyperglycemia in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients does not predict spontaneous reperfusion (SR). This finding suggests blood sugar levels on admission do not influence early coronary artery recovery in STEMI cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Spontaneous reperfusion (SR) is a potential outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) before intervention.
- Hyperglycemia on admission is frequent in STEMI and linked to poorer outcomes, possibly due to impaired coronary flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between acute hyperglycemia and the occurrence of SR in STEMI patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied 465 STEMI patients with admission glucose measurements.
- Defined SR by significant chest pain relief and >=70% ST-segment elevation resolution on ECG.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in average glucose levels between SR and non-SR groups (10.0+/-5.6 vs. 10.1+/-5.3 mmol/l).
- Similar percentages of normoglycemic and hyperglycemic patients observed in both SR (52%) and non-SR (54%) groups.
Conclusions:
- Acute hyperglycemia upon admission does not appear to predict spontaneous reperfusion in STEMI patients.
Background:
Spontaneous reperfusion (SR) may occur in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) prior to reperfusion therapy. Hyperglycemia is common on admission in patients with STEMI and is associated with a worse prognosis. Mechanisms remain unclear but may include impairment of coronary flow. The objective of this study was to examine whether acute hyperglycemia influenced the occurrence of SR in patients with STEMI.
Methods:
All patients presenting to our institution with acute STEMI with measurement of glucose levels on presentation were eligible. SR was defined as a combination of significant relief of chest pain associated with an at least 70% resolution of ST segment elevation on follow-up ECG.
Results:
465 patients were studied of whom 77 patients met criteria for SR. Average glucose levels were not significantly different between the SR and non-SR groups (10.0+/-5.6 mmol/l versus 10.1+/-5.3; P=NS). When patients were divided into normoglycemic and hyperglycemic groups, there was no significant difference in the percentages of such patients in the SR and non-SR groups. (52% versus 54%; P=NS).
Conclusions:
Acute hyperglycemia on admission does not predict the occurrence of SR in a general population of patients with acute MI.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Hyperglycemia
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

