Inhibition by -blockade of the ST segment elevation after acute myocardial infarction in man

Abstract

The changes in height and extent of the ST segment elevation after the administration of the β-blocking drug practolol to nine patients with acute myocardial infarction have been studied. In all the patients there was a reduction in the area of ST segment elevation recorded over the surface of the chest and in eight of the nine there was a reduction in the total height (ΣST) and mean height (ST) of the ST segment elevation. These findings are discussed in relation to (1) quantitating the extent and severity of the ischaemic lesion in man, and (2) the reduction in the extent and severity of the ischaemia by β-blockade.