title: Does an open infarct-related artery after myocardial infarction improve electrical stability?
abstract: Arrhythmic events are responsible for the majority of sudden cardiac deaths after myocardial infarction. Many clinical studies have suggested that patency of the infarct-related artery, achieved by thrombolytic therapy or revascularization procedures, is a predictor of survival rates irrespective of myocardial salvage. The open-artery hypothesis suggests that an open infarct-related artery may result in other potential mechanisms, of benefits including electrical stability. This review focuses on the various levels and types of evidence supporting this contention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY 10025, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carnendran
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Steinberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D015425:Myocardial Reperfusion; D015996:Survival Rate; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors