Study of electrophysiological ischemic events during coronary angioplasty.

The electrophysiological and mechanical events that follow transient therapeutic coronary artery balloon occlusion were analyzed in five patients. A marked (mean, 60 msec) decrease in the repolarization time of the left ventricular ischemic zone (assessed indirectly from endocardial monophasic action potential [MAP] recordings) ensued within 6 to 10 beats of occlusion. Abnormalities in left ventricular relaxation occurred almost simultaneously and preceded contraction abnormalities. A shift in the ST segment in the electrocardiogram (ECG) usually followed within the next 5 to 10 beats. An increase in heart rate (approximately 10 beats per minute) appeared last in the sequence of events. Angina was a variable parameter, frequently absent. Thus, intracavitary recordings of the electrical and mechanical changes are sensitive indicators of the early ischemic changes that follow coronary occlusion, and may be used to assess the effects of therapeutic interventions on events resulting from a myocardial perfusion deficit.