Associtation Between Cardiological Medications and the Occurrence of Delirium in Patients With Myocardial Infarction With St Elevation

Introduction Delirium is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome common in hospitalized patients, marked by disorientation, memory disturbances and impaired attention, leading to increased morbidity and mortality, complicating patient outcomes and healthcare management. Furthermore, it is perceived in patients, particularly those with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including but not limited to, myocardial infarction, heart failure and arrhythmias, due to factors like cerebral hypoperfusion and inflammation [1]. Additionally, various cardiovascular drugs have been shown to have neuropsychiatric effects that can be harmful to patients [1,2]. Aim This study aimed to investigate the association between commonly prescribed cardiological medications and the occurence of delirium in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation. Methods A retrospective study analysed 100 conscious patients aged 65 years and older admitted to the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit of LUHS Hospital between June 1st, 2023, and September 1st 2023. Data on medication use and presence of delirium were compared between groups. Medications of interest inculded beta-blockers (BB), ACE inhibitors (ACEI)/ angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), statins, antiaggreagants and anticoagulants. Statistical comparisons used χ² tests, with p < 0.05 as significant. Results A total of 100 patients' data were analyzed. The mean age was 77.04 ± 8.53 years. Out of 100 patients, 17 developed a delirious state. Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants were commonly used by participants who did not develop delirium (12% vs. 5.9% p = 0.459 and 10.8% vs. 5.9% p = 0.534). In contrast, medications that were more prevalent among patients who expressed delirium were: ACEI/ARBs (52.9% vs. 50.6% p = 0.860), CCBs (35.3% vs. 28.9% p = 0.601), diuretics (35.3% vs. 28.9% p = 0.601), and statins (23.5% vs. 14.5% p = 0.353). BB (47.1% vs. 47.0%, p = 0.996) were equally spectated in both groups. Despite these trends, no statistically significant associations were observed. Conclusions Delirium occurred in 17% of patients who experienced acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation. There is no statistically significant correlation between the use of different groups of cardiological medications and the occurrence of delirium. The results showed that the occurrence of delirium was not related to the use of cardiological medications, but other factors, such as patient age, comorbidities, and their severity could have contributed. Further clinical trials with a larger sample size could help to clarify the risk factors of delirium.