ACUTE PHASE OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract Dysrhythmias occurring within one hour of the onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction have been documented in 284 patients. A high incidence of bradyarrhythmia was noted. Ventricular dysrhythmias were also frequent and showed a disappointing response to lignocaine therapy. Early initiation of intensive care not only prevents deaths from ventricular fibrillation but also diminishes the incidence of shock and pump failure by preventing or immediately correcting dysrhythmias and limiting the size of the myocardial infarct. The resources for coronary care should be directed towards the pre-hospital phase of the coronary attack.