Myocardial damage following infarction.

It is likely that the size of the infarct is the main determinant of survival in acute MI. Infarct size can be judged effectively by using simple bedside techniques coupled with accurate interpretation of the chest radiograph. A more sensitive indicator of the patient's hemodynamic status can be gained by using the Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter. Much more research is required for the development of methods for accurate measurement of infarct size. At present none of these is entirely satisfactory, although the measurement of metabolic substances released into the bloodstream from the infarct, particulary CK enzyme, appears to be the most promising.