Post MI Heart Failure

Epidemiology — Incidence

There are limited data on the incidence of post-MI heart failure (HF) in Europe, although estimates exist. In some patients with MI, it may be difficult to distinguish between pre-existing and incident HF. Moreover, HF in a patient with MI may be transient and may not develop into chronic HF (See Definition and types of heart failure). Additionally, retrospective studies may overestimate the incidence of post-MI HF because not all cases will be MI-related.

Nevertheless, it is clear that ischaemic heart disease and MI are important causes of HF. Data from the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) suggest that approximately 1 in 5 patients hospitalised with an acute coronary syndrome(ACS) either present with HF or develop HF during their hospital stay (Figure 1).¹ The incidence of HF at admission appears to be similar for patients with or without ST-segment elevation.¹ Other studies^2,3 have suggested a higher incidence of HF, in 29-38% of hospitalised patients with MI.

Figure 1. Incidence of heart failure in the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE).¹