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[The Wenckebach phenomenon in patients with acute myocardial infarction]

S Férez1, S Guizar, M Cárdenas

  • 1Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, México, D.F.

Archivos Del Instituto De Cardiologia De Mexico
|May 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Wenckebach phenomenon (WF) occurred in 5.0% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. This second-degree atrioventricular block often appeared within 24 hours and could progress to complete heart block.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Internal Medicine

Context:

  • Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a known complication of AMI, affecting cardiac conduction.
  • Second-degree AVB, specifically Wenckebach phenomenon (WF), requires detailed investigation regarding its incidence and clinical implications in AMI.

Purpose:

  • To determine the incidence of second-degree atrioventricular block with Wenckebach phenomenon (WF) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • To analyze the characteristics of WF, including onset time, duration, associated heart rates, and electrocardiographic findings.
  • To evaluate the progression of WF and its impact on mortality in the AMI patient cohort.

Summary:

  • A study of 1336 AMI patients identified 67 cases (5.0%) with WF, representing 33.83% of all AVB cases.
  • WF predominantly affected males (4:1 ratio) and occurred within the first 24 hours in 64.2% of cases, often associated with sinus bradycardia.
  • While 10.4% progressed to Mobitz II block and 11.9% to complete AVB, overall mortality was low (2.98% for first AMI, 4.47% for second AMI).

Impact:

  • This study quantifies the incidence of WF in AMI, providing crucial data for risk stratification and management strategies.
  • Understanding the temporal patterns and progression of WF aids in predicting patient outcomes and guiding clinical interventions.
  • The findings highlight the importance of vigilant electrocardiographic monitoring in AMI patients to detect and manage conduction abnormalities like WF effectively.

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