Introduction and objectives: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common complication of acute myocardial infarction and has a negative impact on prognosis. However, few studies have been carried out on MR after non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Our objective was to investigate the incidence, clinical predictors and long-term prognostic implications of MR in patients with NSTEMI.
Methods: The prospective study included 237 consecutive patients who were discharged in functional class I or II after a first NSTEMI. Each underwent echocardiography during the first week of admission, and patients were followed up clinically for a median of 1011 days. The incidence of readmission for heart failure, unstable angina, reinfarction, death or all combined (i.e. the combined event or major adverse cardiac event [MACE]) was recorded.
Results: The patients' mean age was 66+/-13 years and 74% were male. The incidence of MR was 40% (grade I in 71 patients, grade II in 15, grade III in 6, and grade IV in 3). Age, diabetes mellitus, multivessel disease and MR (HR=2.17; 95% confidence interval 1.30-3.64; P=.003) were all independently associated with a poor long-term prognosis, in terms of MACEs. Even the milder grades of MR were associated with more events.
Conclusions: In our milieu, MR frequently occurs after NSTEMI. Its presence together with other unfavorable factors implies a poor long-term prognosis. This is also true for milder grades of MR. Consequently, MR should be fully assessed and followed-up after NSTEMI in all patients.