Complications in STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) due to BMI (Body Mass Index)

Obesity is an independent risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, and dyslipidemia [1]. Any of these risk factors increase cardiovascular risk for ST segment myocardial infarctions (STEMI). In conjunction with obesity, this increases the patient's risk for STEMI [2,3]. Obesity also impacts patients with STEMI, in terms of presentation, treatment, in-hospital outcomes and the morbidity and long-term mortality in patients undergoing vascular surgeries [2-7]. Examining PTCI outcomes of extremely obese patients (Body Mass Index (BMI)  > 40 kg/m2) indicated they were more likely to be younger (60 vs 69), female, and African-American.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research