Predictors of pacemaker implantation in patients with myocardial infarction and heart block

The aim of the study was to identify predictors of early and delayed pacemaker (PM) implantation in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and heart block, allowing the development of models for predicting the feasibility of its implantation.Methods. A randomized selection method was used to form a cohort of patients with MI complicated by cardiac conduction disorders. The first (control) group included 72 patients who did not have a PM implanted, the second (n=46) and third (n=68) groups consisted of patients with MI, having, respectively, indications for early (in the acute period of MI) and delayed (average after 3 years) PM implantation. All patients underwent endovascular revascularization of the infarct-dependent artery during hospitalization. Demographic, clinical, and morphological predictors of PM implantation in patients of the second and third groups were evaluated in comparison with the control group. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the need for PM implantation in the short term (hospital period) and in the long-term period.Results. Factors that determine the expediency of a permanent PM in the acute period of MI at the hospital stage, delayed pacemaker implantation 3.2±1.9 years after myocardial infarction, as well as predictors that do not require a permanent PM throughout the entire observation period, were identified. The main factors that require permanent PM implantation in the acute period were identified: 3rd degree atrioventricular (AV) block in NSTEMI, GRACE score 96 or higher, development of 3rd degree AV block in MI of any localization except postero-inferior. Predictors for the need for PM implantation after 3.2±1.9 years (delayed period) were STEMI of anterior localization; at the same time, age had an inversely proportional relationship in predicting the fact of permanent pacing. The factors that determine the need for PM implantation are the presence of anterior MI, the multiple coronary artery lesions.Conclusion. In the acute (hospital) period of NSTEMI, PM implantation is indicated at a high risk of adverse cardiovascular complications (GRACE scale of 96 points and above), in the presence of the 3rd degree AV block in any MI localization, except for the inferior one. Indications for permanent pacing 3.2±1.9 years after an acute coronary event are STEMI of anterior localization and multiple coronary artery lesions.