How common are ventricular arrhythmias in patients admitted to CCU with chest pain and a non-ischaemic ECG? A pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of serious ventricular arrhythmias in a cohort of patients admitted to coronary care units for investigation and treatment of possible acute coronary syndrome. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of prospective cohort study. SETTING: Community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Adults (>18 years) admitted to coronary care unit with chest pain and non-ischaemic ECG. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of serious ventricular arrhythmia during hospital stay. RESULTS: 397 patients were studied; median age 64 years, 65% male; median Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score 3; troponin elevation 43%, final diagnosis myocardial infarc..