Regional Variability in Hospital Mortality in Patients Hospitalized with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Findings from the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events

Objectives: To study the short-term mortality from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the Arabian Gulf region of the Middle East, and to examine whether these geographically and culturally related countries had similar or different outcomes. Subjects and Methods: The Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events recruited consecutive acute coronary syndrome patients from six Middle Eastern countries over a 5-month period. Results: Of 6,706 patients recruited, 2,626 (39%) had STEMI, and a total of 165 patients died in hospital, with a crude mortality rate of 6.3%. However, mortality rates varied geographically between 10% in Yemen, 9.6% in Oman and 3.3% in the other countries. The unadjusted odds ratio of mortality for Yemen was 3.2 (95% CI: 2.2–4.7), and 3.1 (95% CI: 1.9–4.8) for Oman, compared to other Gulf countries. Even after adjusting for age and gender, the mortality remained significantly higher, almost double, in Oman and Yemen compared to other countries. This could be understood in the light of significant differences in a number of practice pattern variables such as reperfusion therapy, timely presentation and use of evidence-based medications. Conclusion: We found significant variability in STEMI mortality among Gulf Arab countries and identified areas requiring further efforts to reduce excess mortality in the region.