Impact of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Complete Atrioventricular Block With Acute Inferior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background and aims Complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is associated with poor clinical outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study determined the frequency and outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with CAVB with acute inferior STEMI. Methods We conducted an observational, prospective study and enrolled 151 patients who were diagnosed with inferior STEMI. All patients received PPCI. The clinical outcomes were compared in patients with and without CAVB. The data was recorded on a collection form and analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Descriptive statistics were applied. For quantitative variables, standard deviation and mean were obtained, and statistical tests were also applied. Results Baseline characteristics were homogeneous in all patients. Half of the study population was either diabetic or hypertensive. Out of 151 participants, 21 (13.9%) developed CAVB. Two-thirds of the patients, who had developed heart block, reverted after PPCI. After a follow-up of two weeks, in-hospital mortality did not differ between the groups. Conclusion We conclude that PPCI can improve outcomes of CAVB-complicated acute inferior STEMI and suggest that primary PCI should be the preferred reperfusion therapy in patients with CAVB with STEMI.