Stress Hyperglycemia and its Relation to Acute Coronary Syndrome Complications

Introduction: Stress hyperglycemia has been associated with increased acute coronary syndrome complications. Objectives: We aimed to study the relationship between stress hyperglycemia and myocardial infarction complications. Methods: Demographic and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained from ninety-nine patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted to the coronary care unit at King Khalid Hospital during the period from June 2014 to April 2015. Tests included plasma glucose estimation, post-admission plasma sugar, Glycosylated haemoglobin, electrolytes, and lipid profile. Diabetic patients with high admission plasma sugar (known or newly discovered) were excluded. Results: Stress hyperglycemia was present in 24.4% of patients, of whom ventricular arrhythmia was detected in 33.3% and low ejection fraction in 50%, while in non-stress hyperglycemia, ventricular arrhythmia and low ejection fraction patient was detected in 12.2%, and 16.2% respectively. A significant statistical correlation was found between stress hyperglycemia and coffee intake, method of transportation to the hospital, and thrombolysis administration. No significant correlation was evident between hyperglycemia and acute coronary risk factors and complications. Conclusion: A significant statistical correlation was found between stress hyperglycemia and coffee intake, method of transportation to the hospital, and thrombolysis administration. There was no evident correlation between stress hyperglycemia and myocardial infarction complications.