Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure in Closed-chest Coronary Occlusion/Reperfusion Model in Göttingen Minipigs and Landrace Pigs
Published on: April 17, 2021
Heart failure and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a review for a widespread situation
E Franco1, I J Núñez-Gil, D Vivas
1Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Heart failure in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is common. Recent data show Killip class II heart failure indicates poor prognosis, while beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors offer benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Up to 15% of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) present with heart failure.
- Limited scientific evidence exists for managing heart failure in NSTEMI, despite recent advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent data on heart failure management in NSTEMI.
- To provide an updated perspective on this clinical scenario.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific data.
- Analysis of findings related to heart failure in NSTEMI patients.
Main Results:
- Killip class II heart failure in NSTEMI signifies a poor prognosis, similar to Killip classes III and IV.
- Beta-blocker therapy shows benefits for patients with Killip class II heart failure.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy demonstrates greater benefit in NSTEMI patients with heart failure.
- Eplerenone is indicated for left ventricular dysfunction with heart failure or diabetes mellitus.
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators improve survival in severe ventricular dysfunction post-myocardial infarction.
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy requires careful assessment due to non-guideline-compliant implants.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure in NSTEMI is a significant clinical issue requiring diligent management.
- Further research is needed to strengthen clinical recommendations for managing heart failure in NSTEMI.
Abstract:
Up to 15% of patients with NSTEMI present at admission with heart failure. Scientific evidence for its management is limited but much progress has been made during the last years. Our purpose was to review the last data concerning heart failure in NSTEMI and perform an update on the subject, with the following findings as main highlights. As Killip classes III and IV, Killip class II onset in the context of NSTEMI has also proven bad prognosis significance. Beta-blocker therapy has proven benefit to patients with Killip class II in observational studies and small trials. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy shows stronger evidence of benefit in patients with heart failure than in patients without it. Eplerenone is indicated for patients with left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure or diabetes mellitus. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators improve survival in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction after a myocardial infarction. Cardiac resynchronization therapy indications must be carefully assessed due to the high rate of implants that do not fulfill guidelines indications. In conclusion, heart failure during a NSTEMI is a common and meaningful situation which warrants careful management and further investigation to reach stronger evidence for clinical recommendations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management

