II. Evaluation
-
Echocardiogram
- Ejection Fraction is best predictor of prognosis
- Stress Test
- Indicated for Myocardial Infarction if angiography was not performed
- Class I evidence - standard of care (most recurrent cardiovascular events occur in the first month after Myocardial Infarction)
- Precautions
- Do not perform if revascularization was performed
- Must be stable for 48-72 hours prior to testing
- Protocols
- Submaximal test 3-6 days post-Myocardial Infarction (prior to discharge) or
- Symptom limited, maximal stress test at 2-3 weeks if not performed prior to discharge
- Indicated for Myocardial Infarction if angiography was not performed
- Coronary Angiogram Indications
- Check Re-perfusion after:
- Large or Anterior Myocardial Infarction
- Thrombolytic use
- Check Re-perfusion after:
III. Management: Formal, consistent hospital education process
- See Cardiac Risk Management
- Review lifestyle interventions below
- Primary care and cardiology follow-up
- Review of hospital diagnoses
- Emergent symptoms and signs
- Unstable Angina
- Review Nitroglycerin home protocol
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Review weight monitoring
- Significant weight gain is 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds overall over baseline
- Cerebrovascular Accident
- Risk increased 44 fold in first 30 days post-MI
- Witt (2005) Ann Intern Med 143:785-92 [PubMed]
- Unstable Angina
-
Medication Compliance is critical (review their importance and risk of stopping)
- Antiplatelet agents (Aspirin, Clopidogrel)
- Beta Blockers
- Statins
- ACE Inhibitor (or ARB Agents)
- Nitroglycerin as needed
- Consider SGLT2 Inhibitor
- Vaccinations (e.g. Influenza Vaccine, covid Vaccine)
- Identify and manage barriers to compliance
- Transportation to appointments
- Medication Cost (e.g. limit number of medications and stick to generics)
- Use medication Pillbox, alarms
- Address Major Depression (see below)
IV. Management: Lifestyle recommendations and education
- Mediterranean Diet
-
Tobacco Cessation
- Strongly consider Nicotine Replacement on discharge
- Activity
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Brisk walking or similar moderate intensity Exercise for 150 minutes per week
- Treat Comorbid Major Depression (present in 15-22%, up to 50% in some studies)
- See Major Depression Management after Myocardial Infarction
- Risk of MI related death increased 3.5 fold
- Screen for Major Depression in the first few months after Myocardial Infarction
V. Management: Restrictions following ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
- Walking
- Initiate soon after discharge
- Sexual activity
- May begin at one week following discharge
- Stress test predicts safety and risk of ischemia
- Driving
- May begin at 3 weeks following discharge
- Air travel
- May begin flying at 2 weeks
- Exception for flight earlier than 2 weeks:
- Symptom free AND
- Has Nitroglycerin AND
- Has a traveling partner AND
- Avoids increased physical exertion