Managing complications in acute myocardial infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death in both the developed and developing countries. The advent of coronary care units and early reperfusion therapy (Thrombolytic and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) has substantially decreased in-hospital mortality rates and has improved the outcome in survivors of the acute phase of MI. Complications of AMI include mechanical, arrhythmic, ischemic, and inflammatory (early pericarditis and post-MI syndrome) sequelae, as well as left ventricular mural thrombus. In addition to these broad categories, right ventricular (RV) infarction and cardiogenic shock are other common complications of AMI. The onset of each of these complications usually results in explicit symptoms and physical manifestations. Thus, a basic knowledge of the complications that occur in the postinfarction period and the clinical syndromes associated with each, will allow the physician to evaluate and treat the complication appropriately.