The role of coronary care unit in reduction of mortality rate and sudden death in acute myocardial infarction.

One hundred and seventy consecutive unselected patients suspected of having acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were admitted to our Coronary Care Unit (CCU); 100 of them proved to have AMI (CCU group). These patients were compared with another 100 cases of AMI, which were admitted to our hospital in the period immediately preceding the establishment of CCU (prior group). Criteria of selection used for both groups were the same. The mortality rate in the CCU group was 11% compared to 31% of the prior group. There was no single case of sudden death due to primary ventricular fibrillation, though only one due to ventricular asystole in the CCU groups. Our findings also were compared with those reported of elsewhere and the difference is discussed. The reasons for lower mortality rate and sudden death are explained. In coronary care unit, in addition to try to decrease the total mortality rate, also should try to reduce the incidence of Primary ventricular fibrillation and asystole. The two main causes of sudden unexpected death in AMI.