Infarct-Related Coronary Artery Patency and Medication Use Prior to ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

In patients who have ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a patent infarct-related artery on the initial angiogram is associated with improved clinical outcomes, including decreased mortality. The present study assessed the influence of administering aspirin, β blockers, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors before STEMI on infarct-related artery patency. Our data demonstrate that patients who have STEMI and receive these medications on an outpatient basis before the event have a higher likelihood of having a patent infarct-related artery compared with patients who do not receive these medications. Further, our data demonstrate a graded association according to the number of such medications being administered: the likelihood of a patent infarct-related artery increased to >50% as the number of these medications increased.