Article Test

Background: The occurrence of arrhythmias among acute coronary syndrome patients is very common. However, their diagnosis is not considered in contemporary acute coronary syndrome patients. This study investigates the incidence and types of arrhythsmias among acute coronary syndrome patients presenting to the emergency department, as well as their association with various factors and patient outcomes.

Methods: The current prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Kolkata, India. Data were collected from 76 acute coronary syndrome patients admitted between October 2020 and May 2021 to the emergency department. Information was gathered through semi-structured interviews and relevant investigations.

Results: The majority of the patients were aged 61-70 years, with three fourth of the study population being male. The incidence of arrhythmia was diagnosed in 77.6% of the patients. The most common arrhythmias were sinus tachycardia, ventricular premature complex, atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, and complete heart block. Arrhythmias were more prevalent among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (62.7%) and unstable angina (8.5%) patients. Patients with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ≤ 40% had a higher incidence of arrhythmias (93.5%). The mortality rate during hospital stay was 11.9% among acute coronary syndrome patients with arrhythmias, while all acute coronary syndrome patients without arrhythmia had a 100% survival rate.

Conclusion: This study highlights the incidence and types of arrhythmias in acute coronary syndrome patients presenting to the emergency department. It reveals a higher prevalence of arrhythmias in specific subgroups, such as patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and those with a reduction in left ventricular function. These findings contribute to our understanding of arrhythmias in acute coronary syndrome and their association with patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of appropriate management and monitoring in this population.