Risk factors for ventricular tachycardia in acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction patients of a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar

Abstract

Introduction: Ventricular arrhythmias are the most common cause of death in various ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients and can be prevented if diagnosed and managed in time.

Objectives: To document the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia in patients with acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) admitted to a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar and to identify associated risk factors.

Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study consisting of 252 MI patients of 51-60 years of age, were observed for the presence of ventricular tachycardia at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from September 2017 to January 2018.

Results: Hypertension was found to be the most common risk factor for ventricular tachycardia observed in 180 patients. Diabetes mellitus was the 2^nd most common risk factor present in 104 patients while smoking was found in 56 patients. The most common location of ST-Elevation MI was anterior wall myocardial infarction (30.2%) occurring in 76 patients.

Conclusion: Ventricular tachycardia occurred in a quarter of the patients presenting with acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction, and was more common in anterior wall MI followed by extensive anterior wall MI.