How common are ventricular arrhythmias in patients admitted to CCU with chest pain and a non-ischaemic ECG? A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of serious ventricular arrhythmias in a cohort of patients admitted to coronary care units for investigation and treatment of possible acute coronary syndrome.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Community teaching hospital.


METHODS
Adults (>18 years) admitted to coronary care unit with chest pain and non-ischaemic ECG.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Rate of serious ventricular arrhythmia during hospital stay.


RESULTS
397 patients were studied; median age 64 years, 65% male; median Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score 3; troponin elevation 43%, final diagnosis myocardial infarction 32%. No patient in the study suffered a serious ventricular arrhythmia (0%, 95% CI 0 to 1.0%).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients admitted to coronary care units for investigation and treatment of possible acute coronary syndrome with a non-ischaemic ECG have a very low rate of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
Joseph Epstein Centre for Emergency Medicine Research at Western Health and The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Anne-Maree
AM
Kelly
Joseph Epstein Centre for Emergency Medicine Research at Western Health, Victoria, Australia.
Sharon
S
Klim
CCU; acute coronary syndrome; chest pain; tachycardias; ventricular arrhythmia