[Incidence and course of complex ventricular arrhythmias in myocardial infarct as a function of infarct size, heart function and persistent ischemia].

Incidence and course of complex ventricular ectopic activity (VEA) after myocardial infarction was prospectively evaluated in 217 patients in relation to infarct size, location, ventricular function and signs of persistent ischemia. Complex VEA (Lown greater than III) was found acutely in 138 patients (63.6%) and at hospital discharge in 42 (19.3%). Of 79 patients with VEA Lown less than or equal to III in the first 24 hours, 93.7% remained VEA-free at follow-up. Patients with persistent complex VEA differed from those who became VEA-free only in left and right ventricular ejection fraction, whereas all the other infarct related factors had no influence on the course of VEA.