[Acute myocardial infarction in Chilean hospitals. Final results of the GEMI study].
BACKGROUND
Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in Chile.


OBJECTIVE
To report the main features, hospital evolution, complications and pharmacological treatment of patients admitted to Chilean hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.


METHODS
Between 1993 and 1995, the GEMI group registered 2,957 patients admitted to 37 hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.


RESULTS
Mean age of patients was 62 +/- 2 years old and 74% were male. Forty six percent had a history of hypertension and 40% were smokers. During the first five days of admission, 93% of patients received aspirin, 95% received intravenous nitrates, 59% intravenous heparin, 56% oral nitrates, 37% beta blockers, 32% angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 33% thrombolytic agents, 29% antiarrhythmics and 23% calcium antagonists. Coronary angiograms were performed in 28% of patients, angioplasty in 9% and 8% were subjected to a coronary bypass. Global hospital mortality was 13.4% (19.5% in women and 11.1% in men, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This work gives a picture of myocardial infarction in Chilean hospitals. Pharmacological treatment is similar to that used abroad, but certainly it can be optimized.
Prieto
J C
JC
Centro Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Corbalán
R
R
Chávez
E
E
Lanas
F
F
Cumsille
F
F
Nazzal
C
C
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors