Comparative analysis of risk factors and coronary angiographic severity in patients of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction with and without electrocardiogram abnormalities

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to assess and compare the risk factors and angiographic profile in patients diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and analysis of these parameters among the subgroups presented with normal and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG). Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 patients diagnosed with NSTEMI, and information such as demographics and risk factors were collected. The study population based on ECG findings was divided into two groups, i.e., those presenting normal and abnormal ECG. Angiography was performed to determine the severity of the disease in terms of the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and number of vessels involved. Results: This study comprised 100 patients with NSTEMI, and the mean age of the study population was found to be 57.01 ± 8.91 years. The analysis of the population was made based on the ECG findings, and it was observed that patients with abnormal ECG had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (49.88 ± 11.26 vs. 55.30 ± 9.23, P = 0.010) when compared to those with normal ECG findings. Furthermore, higher proportion of risk factors such as hypertension (46%), diabetes mellitus (40%), smoking (44%), hypercholesterolemia (44%), and family history of CAD (30%) were noted among patients with abnormal ECG findings. Out of 100 patients, 11 had normal coronaries, 41 had single vessel disease, while the rest had multiple coronary arteries involvement. Conclusion: Various risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and the presence of multi-vessel disease, have been shown to affect the ECG readings, and hence, risk stratification and knowing the severity of the disease is crucial for the management of NSTEMI patients.