Impact of primary percutaneous coronary intervention on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: A comprehensive analysis

BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction, particularly ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is a key global mortality cause. Our study investigated predictors of mortality in 96 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention at Erbil Cardiac Center. Multiple factors were identified influencing in-hospital mortality. Significantly, time from symptom onset to hospital arrival emerged as a decisive factor. Consequently, our study hypothesis is: "Reducing time from symptom onset to hospital arrival significantly improves STEMI prognosis." AIM To determine the key factors influencing mortality rates in STEMI patients. METHODS We studied 96 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) at the Erbil Cardiac Center. Their clinical histories were compiled, and coronary evaluations were performed via angiography on admission. Data included comorbid conditions, onset of cardiogenic shock, complications during PPCI, and more. Post-discharge, one-month follow-up assessments were completed. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Our results unearthed several significant findings. The in-hospital and 30-d mortality rates among the 96 STEMI patients were 11.2% and 2.3% respectively. On the investigation of independent predictors of in-hospital mortality, we identified atypical presentation, onset of cardiogenic shock, presence of chronic kidney disease, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grades 0/1/2, triple vessel disease, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, coronary dissection, and the no-reflow phenomenon. Specifically, the recorded average time from symptom onset to hospital arrival amongst patients who did not survive was significantly longer (6.92 ± 3.86 h) compared to those who survived (3.61 ± 1.67 h), P < 0.001. These findings underscore the critical role of timely intervention in improving the survival outcomes of STEMI patients. CONCLUSION Our results affirm that early hospital arrival after symptom onset significantly improves survival rates in STEMI patients, highlighting the critical need for prompt intervention.