Influence of a Myocardial Infarction on Blood Pressure and Serum Cholesterol

Abstract

Blood pressure (BP) was measured before and after acute myocardial infarction (MI) in 21 men aged 49-60 yr from a random population sample. Men on drugs affecting BP before MI or during follow-up were excluded. Pre- and postinfarction cholesterol levels were analyzed in 49 men not on hyperlipidemic treatment recruited from the same population sample. The mean fall in systolic BP (SBP) was 14 mm Hg both 5 wk and 1 yr after the acute event, but 10 mm Hg after 2 yr. The mean fall in diastolic BP (DBP) was 10 mm Hg 5 wk after the MI and remained at this level for 2 yr. The decreases in SBP and DBP were significant. There was a positive correlation between the maximum rise in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase during the acute phase of MI and the decrease in DBP between preinfarction readings and readings 5 wk after the MI. Serum cholesterol was unchanged 3 mo., and 1 and 2 yr after the MI as compared to the preinfarction level.