The impact of direct access to primary angioplasty on reducing the mortality associated with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: The experience of the Algarve region of Portugal

Introduction: There are few published data on mortality in anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Portugal, particularly in centers with direct access to primary angioplasty. We present the experience of a center with direct access to primary angioplasty in the management of patients admitted with anterior STEMI. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 120 patients admitted with anterior STEMI in 2008 to Faro Hospital (Algarve region, Portugal). Results: Significant coronary artery stenosis was found in 99 patients (82.5%). These patients were predominantly male (79%), and had a mean age of 63 years. Primary angioplasty was performed in the majority of patients within 6 hours of symptom onset and median ECG-to-balloon time was 89 minutes. Primary angioplasty was successful in 98% of patients and complete revascularization was achieved in 83%. Radial access was used in 82% of cases. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 3%. Conclusion: Direct access to primary angioplasty was associated with low mortality in patients admitted with anterior STEMI. (C) 2011 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.