Acute myocardial infarction in Chilean hospitals. Final results of the GEMi study
Prieto, J.C.; Corbalán, R.; Chávez, E.; Lanas, F.; Cumsille, F.; Nazzal, C.
Revista Medica de Chile 127(7): 763-774
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9887 PMID: 10668283 Document Number: 506310
Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in Chile. To report the main features, hospital evolution, complications and pharmacological treatment of patients admitted to Chilean hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Between 1993 and 1995, the GEMI group registered 2,957 patients admitted to 37 hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Mean age of patients was 62 +/- 2 years old and 74% were male. Forty six percent had a history of hypertension and 40% were smokers. During the first five days of admission, 93% of patients received aspirin, 95% received intravenous nitrates, 59% intravenous heparin, 56% oral nitrates, 37% beta blockers, 32% angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 33% thrombolytic agents, 29% antiarrhythmics and 23% calcium antagonists. Coronary angiograms were performed in 28% of patients, angioplasty in 9% and 8% were subjected to a coronary bypass. Global hospital mortality was 13.4% (19.5% in women and 11.1% in men, p < 0.001). This work gives a picture of myocardial infarction in Chilean hospitals. Pharmacological treatment is similar to that used abroad, but certainly it can be optimized.