Prognosis of acute myocardial infarction using systolic time intervals recorded on the carotidogram.

The prognostic value of systolic time intervals and of other clinical and laboratory parameters was investigated in 68 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (55 males and 13 females; mean age 61 years) over a period of one month after onset of the disease. The statistical analysis of data was made by the STR stepwise regression method, using an IBM--360 computer. Finally the study resulted in a stepwise multiple regression equation with 4 factors of maximum statistical significance in the prognosis of AMI: peak SGOT level, age of patients, uncorrected left ventricular ejection time and index of preejection period. This new prognostic index allows a classification of patients with acute myocardial infarction (starting with the second day after onset) into groups of various severity, thus helping the practitioners in the choice of therapy.