Potassium, glucose and insulin administration in acute myocardial infarction: a five-year study

Two hundred and twelve patients with acute myocardial infarction were treated for 14 days with daily doses of potassium (3 gm orally), glucose (280 gm orally) and regular insulin (16 units subcutaneously), all given in 4 fractional doses. The incidences of arrhythmias, heart failure and systolic blood pressure below 70 mm Hg, as well as the mortality rate, were compared with those for another group of 600 myocardial infarction patients who were not given this treatment. Though there was some reduction in the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, it was not statistically significant. However, there was a strikingly significant decrease in the incidences of heart failure and blood pressure below 70 mm, as well as in the early mortality rate. Our findings should encourage the continued use of potassium, glucose and insulin therapy in acute myocardial infarction.