Plasma bilirubin and serum free fatty acids after myocardial infarction.

Fasting concentrations of plasma bilirubin were measured in 34 patients on admission to hospital and daily for 7 days after uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Mean concentrations increased significantly to reach maximum levels on the second day after admission, and fell during the following 5 days to reach the admission level by the 7th day. Unconjugated bilirubin accounted for most of this rise. Serum concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA), measured simultaneously in 12 patients, were highest within 12 hr of the onset of symptoms, when their level was significantly higher than at any time after the first day. It is suggested that the transient hyperbilirubinaemia after uncomplicated myocardial infarction is frequent and may result from interference by FFA with bilirubin metabolism.