The Long-Term Prognosis Following Myocardial Infarction, and Some Factors which Affect It

Abstract

This study was undertaken to establish the long-term prognosis of the initial attack of myocardial infarction. For this purpose, 285 patients who had their initial attack between 1932 and 1942, and who survived the first two months, were followed until their demise or the end of the study (Jan. 1, 1952). Two-thirds of them were found to have lived over 5 years, two-fifths over 10 years and one-tenth over 15 years. Some of the factors which determine long-term survival were analyzed. The importance of recognizing the presence of a large group of mild cases of myocardial infarction capable of long-term survival is stressed.