The mean duration of electrocardiographic changes in unstable angina

¯Abstract Background: According to some references, the duration of these changes for more than 12 hours after pain relief in unstable angina may be indicative of non-Q-Wave myocardial infarction (MI). Objective: To obtain the mean duration of ECG changes in patients with unstable angina. Methods: The present work was a cross-sectional study in which 34 patients, who were admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) for unstable angina, were investigated. The selection of subjects was based on the presence of ST-segment and T-wave changes in ECG of patients with anginal pain but without MI, confirmed by laboratory measurements of enzymes such as LDH, CPK-MB and total CPK. The patients with other causes of ST-segment and T-wave changes (WPW syndrome, salivary diseases, using anti-arrhythmic and anti-angina drugs, left bundle branch block, digital administration and currently experienced surgery) were excluded from the study. The subjects were followed up for 3 months after discharge. Findings: The mean duration of ECG changes in study group was 28.65±7 days. The mean duration of ST-segment and T-wave changes were 14.7±24 days and 30.1±38 days, respectively. The minimum duration of ECG changes was one day and the maximum was 90 days. Conclusion: The results showed that in hospitalized patients with unstable angina, the ECG changes can be prolonged for an average of one month which must be considered for further diagnostic and treatment decisions.