Significance of Variation in Heart Rate in Predicting Angiographic Characteristics of Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction among Rural Population of Western India

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction of the inferior wall frequently presents with variations in heart rate, particularly bradycardia. Bradycardia can be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic indicator and can aid in prompt and effective management along with potential implications in the disease outcomes. Methodology: A cross-sectional study examined the significance of heart rate variation, as a predictor of the extent and severity of inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) among 103 consecutive participants from rural areas of western India. Results: Out of the 103 participants, 86.4% were males,72.8% of the subjects were aged 50 years and above, 46.6% were illiterate. Among the male participants, 83.5% were smokers, and11.7% were alcoholics. Bradycardia (46; 44.7%) was more prevalent than tachycardia (16;15.5%). 37.9% of participants had single-vessel involvement. Proximal occlusions of the artery were significantly (p <0.05) more common with sinus bradycardia than middle and distal occlusions (76.1% v/s 13% v/s 10.9%, respectively). Right coronary artery (RCA) involvement was significantly (p <0.05) more common with bradycardia as compared to tachycardia (89.1% v/s 87.5%). Left circumflex artery (LCx) involvement was significantly (p <0.05) more common with tachycardia v/s bradycardia (68.8% v/s 41.3%). 68.9% of participants had total occlusion of the involved vessel. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for further research to determine the clinical relevance and significance of variation in heart rate in assessing the severity and extent of IWMI, and developing appropriate management plans.