Long-term morbidity in patients where the initial suspicion of myocardial infarction was not confirmed.

The morbidity and mortality during a 5-year follow-up in patients admitted to the coronary care unit with chest pain presenting an initial suspicion of acute infarction, but in whom the diagnosis could not be confirmed, is reported. They were divided into four groups: Possible myocardial infarction (29%), angina pectoris (24%), chest pain of uncertain origin (32%), and nonischemic cause of chest pain (15%). The overall 5-year mortality rate was 13.3% and did not differ substantially between the four groups. During the 5-year follow-up a confirmed myocardial infarction developed in 28% and 22% among patients with the diagnosis possible infarction and angina pectoris, respectively, and in about 10% of the remaining patients. Stroke developed in 4% of patients with possible infarction and in 2-3% in the remaining subgroups. In all, 59% of the patients were rehospitalized for a mean duration of 30 days in hospital. Among survivors at 5 years, 54% reported chest pain equivalent to angina pectoris and 25% had chest pain daily. A high prevalence of angina pectoris, a high frequency of rehospitalization due to chest pain, and a high consumption of cardiovascular drugs could be found in all four groups.