Angina

Data on heart attack described by researchers at University of Naples

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"Methods We prospectively studied 180 patients with AMI aged >= 70 years and treated with primary PTCA. In all patients, physical activity levels before AMI were quantified by a score derived from the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Cardiac deaths and nonfatal cardiac events were evaluated within 30 days and 1 -year from primary PTCA. Results A high PASE score was significantly associated with a strong reduction of 30-day cardiac deaths (from 23. 1 % to 4%; P for trend =.0.2 1) and overall nonfatal events (from 21. 10% to 10%; P for trend =.0 1). Accordingly, at I year of follow-up, the incidence of cardiac mortality and nonfatal events significantly decreased with increasing PASE score (from 28.8% to 8% and from 55.7% to 14.5%, respectively). Logistic regression analysis indicated that physical activity before AMI was an independent predictor of increased survival in those patients that showed the highest PASE scores. In addition, at 6 months of follow-up, although low ejection fraction and recurrent angina strongly predicted 1 -year mortality, high PASE scores still predicted a better outcome," wrote G. Rengo and colleagues, University of Naples.

The researchers concluded: "Conclusions Our data indicate that an active lifestyle may favorably affect early and late outcomes of primary PTCA in the elderly population."

Rengo and colleagues published their study in American Heart Journal (An active lifestyle improves outcome of primary angioplasty in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction. American Heart Journal, 2007;154(2):352-360).

For additional information, contact D. Leosco, University of Naples Federico 2, Dipartimento Med Clinic Science Cardiovascular & Immunology, Via Pansini 5, Edificio 2, I-80131 Naples, Italy.

The publisher's contact information for the American Heart Journal is: Mosby-Elsevier, 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.

Keywords: Italy, Naples, Heart Attack, Myocardial Infarction, University of Naples.

This article was prepared by Cardiovascular Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Cardiovascular Business Week via NewsRx.com.