CORONARY OCCLUSION; A CLINICAL STUDY OF 100 PATIENTS

Abstract

One hundred white patients with coro-nary occlusion were reported. This includes consecutive patients seen and followed in private practice since 1930. There was an immediate mortality of 12% and a total mor-tality of 34%. 25 of these patients had subsequent 2nd or 3rd attacks of coronary thrombosis. Occupations involving executive capacities or considerable individual initiative were most frequent. Overworry, overwork, and overeating were the most commonly occurring habit excesses. Obesity, chronic cholecystitis, and diabetes mellitus were the most commonly associated diseases. Physical exertion, bed rest, large meals, and emotional upsets were the most frequent events associated with the immediate attack. Circulatory collapse and embolic phenomena were the most common compli-cations of the immediate attack. Angina pectoris, before and after the attack of coronary occlusion, was more com-mon than no angina before or after the attack. Referred pain was most common in the upper extremities and epigastrium, but was found in all levels from the mastoids to the lumbar region. Abdominal distress occurred in 50%. Hypertension before the attack was found in 41%, and it persisted after the attack in 20%. Cardiac hypertrophy either before or after the attack was found in 59%. 41% had a normal sized heart. Arteriosclerosis in varying degrees was present in 97%.