Antiplatelet Therapy in Older Patients Post-Myocardial Infarction

This case study reviews appropriate antiplatelet treatment options for an older patient post-myocardial infarction and stent placement. This case investigates the benefits and risks associated with antiplatelet agents in older people and what patient- and drug-specific factors, such as adverse effects and drug interactions, to consider when choosing treatment.

Predictors of sexual function among men after myocardial infarction: a pilot study

Background/Aims Sexual dysfunction often persists among men who have had a myocardial infarction. While some cross-sectional and longitudinal research has been conducted, there are still no known modifiable targets for intervention. This pilot study aimed to model hypothesised predictive factors of higher sexual function in a cohort of men post myocardial infarction. Methods Using a longitudinal study design, data on sexual function, sexual fear, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and use of coping strategies were collected using the Male Sexual Function Index, Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and Coping Strategy Indicator respectively. Spearman correlations were estimated to examine associations between factors at 2 weeks and 3 months following myocardial infarction. Linear regression models were conducted for sexual function while controlling for age. Results The data for 14 men were analysed. Sexual fear and use of problem-solving and support-seeking coping strategies were moderately correlated with sexual function at 3 months post myocardial infarction. Increased use of problem-solving and support-seeking coping strategies was associated with increased sexual function at 3 months. Conclusions Use of coping strategies may predict increased sexual function 3 months post myocardial infarction. However, additional studies are needed to further examine these hypothesised relationships with a larger and more diverse sample.

Surveillance of arrhythmia in post-myocardial infarction patients using wearable ECG patch devices: a prospective cohort study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Acute myocardial infarction may be associated with new-onset arrhythmias. Myocardial infarction patients may manifest with serious arrhythmias such as ventricular tachyarrhythmias or atrial fibrillation. Frequent, prolonged electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring can prevent devastating outcomes by these arrhythmias. OBJECTIVE We investigated the incidence of arrhythmias in post-myocardial infarction patients using a patch-type device: ATP-C120. METHODS This study is a non-randomized, single-center, prospective cohort study. We evaluated 71 patients with post-myocardial infarction who had been admitted to our hospital. The ATP-C120 device was attached for 11 days and analyzed by two cardiologists for new-onset arrhythmic events. RESULTS One participant was concordantly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Atrial premature beats occurred in 91.5% and 84.5% of participants, and ventricular premature beats occurred in 53.5% and 62.0%, respectively. Interestingly, 56.3% of the patients showed less than 2 minutes of sustained paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. Among participants with atrial tachycardia, the use of beta blockers was significantly lower (70.0% vs. 90.3%, p=0.037). However, different dosages of beta blockers did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS Wearable patch ECG monitoring devices are easy to apply and can correlate symptoms and ECG rhythm disturbances among post-myocardial infarction patients. Further study is necessary regarding clinical implications and appropriate therapies for arrhythmias detected early, post-myocardial infarction, to prevent adverse outcomes.