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• Most hypertension Guidelines grade hypertension according to office blood pressure (BP) levels. • Although informative on diagnostic and therapeutic management, the prognostic value of hypertension grading is unclear. • We tested the prognostic impact of hypertension grading as suggested by the 2023 Guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). • Hypertension Grades 1 and 2 are not associated with a significantly different risk of cardiovascular disease after adjustment for concomitant risk factors and hypertensive organ damage. • Hypertension Grade 3 (office BP ≥180/110 mmHg) is independently associated with a higher cardiovascular risk in the absence of information about ambulatory BP. Most Hypertension Guidelines grade hypertension according to various cut-off values. We sought to investigate the prognostic impact of Grades 1 (140–159 and/or 90–99 mmHg), 2 (160–179 and/or 100–109 mmHg) and 3 (≥180 and/or ≥110 mmHg). We followed for an average of 10 years a cohort of 3,150 initially untreated hypertensive patients (mean age 50 years, 44 % women) with no previous cardiovascular disease at entry. All patients underwent diagnostic tests including 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. At entry, average clinic BP was 156/97 mmHg and average 24-hour BP was 137/87 mmHg. During follow-up, 314 patients experienced a first major cardiovascular event (composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke, cardiovascular death, or hospitalization for heart failure). Event rate was not formally dissimilar between Grade 1 and Grade 2 (0.73 vs 0.95 per 100 patient-years, respectively; p = 0.06). It was higher in Grade 3 (1.93 per 100 patient-years; p < 0.01 vs Grade 1 and Grade 2). After adjustment for a robust set of covariables, the hazard ratio was not dissimilar between Grade 1 and Grade 2 (p = 0.27), and higher in Grade 3 than in Grade 1 (p < 0.01), but the excess risk in Grade 3 was no longer significant (hazard ratio: 1.25, 95 % CI 0.87–1.78; p = 0.22) after adjustment for 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP. We were unable to find a significant difference in the relative hazard of cardiovascular events tied to hypertension Grades 1 and 2. Conversely, Grade 3 (clinic BP ≥180/110 mmHg) portends a higher cardiovascular risk, which is associated with higher levels of 24-hour ambulatory BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is linked to lipid metabolism and has shown considerable prognostic value in cardiovascular disorders. • The prognostic impact of AIP among myocardial infarction with the non-obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) has not been investigated. • Our results showed that AIP is an independent predictor of MACE in MINOCA patients, even though they generally exhibit a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia. • High AIP was significantly associated with increased risk of non-obstructive CAD in MINOCA. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is linked to lipid metabolism and has shown considerable prognostic value in cardiovascular disorders. However, its role in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) has not been investigated. We assessed the relationship between AIP, the severity of coronary stenosis, and prognosis in MINOCA. We included consecutive patients who were diagnosed with MINOCA. AIP was calculated using the base 10 logarithm of the ratio between the levels of TG and HDL-C. The patients were divided into four groups based on their AIP quartiles: Q1 (AIP<-0.145), Q2 (AIP≥-0.145and≤0.049), Q3 (AIP>0.049and≤0.253), and Q4 (AIP>0.253). All patients underwent follow-up for MACE. The final analysis included 421 patients, with 188 having normal coronaries (0 stenosis) and 233 exhibiting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (<50 % stenosis). In the multivariate logistic analysis, highest AIP (Q4) group was significantly associated with increased risk of non-obstructive CAD in MINOCA (OR,1.994;95 % CI:1.075–3.698; P = 0.029). During the follow-up period, MACE occurred in 22.8 % of MINOCA patients. Q4 group exhibited a significantly higher rate of MACE (P = 0.021). Furthermore, when both AIP and coronary stenosis status were considered, the results revealed individuals in the Q4 group with non-obstructive CAD had the highest risk of MACE (log-rank P = 0.027). The adjusted Cox analysis indicated that the Q4 group was associated with a 2.052-fold increase in the HR of MACE. AIP exhibits a notable association with the incidence of MACE in MINOCA patients and serves as a substantial marker for non-obstructive CAD in this patient group. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) constitutes a significant proportion of patients who are at excess cardiovascular risk and have adverse clinical outcomes. • Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of MINOCA and may affect clinical outcomes, however, the role of functional and structural mechanisms of CMD in MINOCA remains unknown. • CMD can be assessed by various invasive and non-invasive tools depending on availability and clinical settings. • A better understanding of CMD in MINOCA has significant clinical implications for decision-making, identifying novel therapies that target CMD and improve clinical outcomes. In the past decade, scientific and clinical research has provided a translational perspective on myocardial infarction (MI) with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). MINOCA is characterized by clinical documentation of an acute MI but angiography shows no significant coronary artery obstruction (stenosis <50%). The prevalence of MINOCA is estimated to range from approximately 6 to 10% among MI patients, and those with this condition have a poor prognosis, experiencing high rates of mortality, rehospitalization, and socioeconomic burden. MINOCA represents a major unmet need in cardiovascular medicine, with uncertain clinical management. It is a complex condition that can be caused by various factors, including atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, coronary vasospasm, and microvascular dysfunction. Effective management of MINOCA depends on identifying the underlying mechanism of the infarction, thus a systematic diagnostic approach is recommended. Contemporary data shows that a significant number of patients exhibit structural and functional abnormalities in coronary microcirculation, which is referred to as coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). CMD plays a crucial role in patients with signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery stenosis, including MINOCA. Furthermore, conducting a thorough evaluation of coronary function can have significant prognostic and therapeutic implications, since personalized patient management strategies based on this assessment have been shown to improve symptoms and prognosis. Therefore, an accurate and timely diagnosis of CMD is essential for effective patient management, which can be achieved through various invasive and non-invasive methods. This review will discuss the pathophysiological understanding, current diagnostic techniques, and management strategies of patients with MINOCA and CMD. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MI occurred in 3% patients hospitalized for a gastrointestinal bleed. • Type 2 MI is more frequent than type 1 MI during a gastrointestinal bleeding. • Invasive MI management rate were very low in the gastrointestinal bleeding setting. • In-hospital mortality was higher with type 1 MI than with type 2 MI during a GIB. • Type 1 and type 2 MI had a similar risk for 6-month MI and related mortality. Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular events and myocardial infarction (MI). Myocardial supply-demand mismatch results in type 2 MI(T2MI) and atherosclerotic plaque rupture leads to type 1 MI(T1MI). Data comparing the prognostic impact of these MI types in GIB are sparse. Patients hospitalized for GIB were identified in the 2019 US Nationwide Readmissions Sample. In this population, we studied the differences in management of T1MI and T2MI, and the association of these MI types with in-hospital mortality and risk for 6-month MI and MI-related mortality. Of 444,475 patients admitted for a GIB, 12,860 (2.9%) had an MI (1.7% T2MI, 1.2% T1MI). Patients with T1MI were more likely to receive coronary angiography and revascularization than patients with T2MI. In-hospital mortality occurred in 2.0% patients, at a significantly higher rate in patients with an MI (7.9% vs 1.8%; P < 0.001), and higher with T1MI (11.9%) than T2MI (5.3%; P < 0.001). Among the survivors, 2.2% patient had an MI within 6 months, at a significantly higher rate in patients with index MI (13.1% vs 2.0%, adjusted OR 4.3 95% CI 3.83–4.90; P < 0.001). Mortality during the subsequent MI occurred in 0.3% of all patients (12% with an MI), at a 6-fold higher rate in patients with index MI (1.7% vs 0.3%; adjusted OR 3.69 95% CI 2.75–4.95; P < 0.001). The elevated risks were associated with both MI types. The risks for 6-month MI and related mortality were similar between T1MI and T2MI (6-month AMI: adjusted OR for T2MI = 1.03, 95% 0.83–1.29; fatal MI: adjusted OR for T2MI = 1.5, 95% CI 0.85–2.7). The occurrence of an MI is associated with a substantially elevated risk for subsequent AMI and related mortality in patients hospitalized for a GIB. This future prognostic impact was similar between T1MI and T2MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 4S-AF scheme score is distributed normally in post-MI NOAF. • High 4S-AF scheme score is associated poor survival in patients with post-MI NOAF. • 4S-AF scheme score improves the prognostic predictive performance of GRACE score in post-MI NOAF. The 4S-AF scheme (Stroke risk [St], Symptom severity [Sy], Severity of atrial fibrillation burden [Sb], Substrate [Su]) is a novel approach for the holistic characterization of AF. We aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of the 4S-AF scheme score in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF). We included 262 patients with post-MI NOAF who had complete data for the 4S-AF scheme evaluation between February 2014 and March 2018. The 4S-AF scheme score was calculated as a sum of each domain with a maximum of 9. The primary outcome was all-cause death. Of 262 patients (66.0% males, mean age 74.5 ± 10.4 years) were analyzed. The mean 4S-AF scheme score was 5.0 ± 1.6. There were 62 (27.3%) all-cause deaths within a median follow-up of 2.6 years. According to multivariable Cox regression models, each 1-point increase in the 4S-AF scheme score was significantly associated with 39% increased all-cause mortality (HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16–1.67, P <0.001), which was mainly driven by the Sb (HR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.05–1.95, P = 0.025) and Su (HR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.17–2.02, P = 0.002) domains. Adding the 4S-AF scheme score on top of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score could significantly improve its discriminative capability (C-index from 0.713 to 0.761, P = 0.039) and reclassification performance (continuous net reclassification improvement: 41.0% [95%CI: 12.5–69.6]; integrated discrimination improvement: 5.1% [95%CI: 2.2–8.1]) for all-cause mortality. Characterization of NOAF using the 4S-AF scheme aids in the risk stratification of AMI patients with NOAF. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coronary slow flow (CSF) is commonly linked to worse cardiovascular events and life-threatening arrhythmias. • The prognostic impact of CSF on myocardial infarction with the non-obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) has never been studied. • Our results demonstrated that CSF is associated with a higher risk of adverse events and is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes among patients with MINOCA. • CSF may serve as a robust tool to stratify high-risk MINOCA patients to prompt a close follow-up and improve overall survival. Coronary slow flow (CSF) is common and linked to worse cardiovascular events and life-threatening arrhythmias. However, the clinical implication of CSF among myocardial infarction with the non-obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) has never been studied. We aimed to evaluate the impact of CSF on the MINOCA population. Patients diagnosed with MINOCA were consecutively selected. The corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) was used to evaluate the coronary flow. CSF was defined as cTFC greater than 27 frames per second (FPS) in any of the three coronary arteries. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are the primary endpoint. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between CSF and MACE. A total of 158 patients with MINOCA were enrolled, of which 54 (34.2%) patients had CSF. Forty incidents of MACE occurred during the median 28 months of follow-up. The MACE incidence was higher among patients who presented with CSF than the normal coronary flow patients (35.2% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.040). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, CSF patients had significantly higher rates of MACE (log-rank P = 0.034). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CSF was an independent predictor linked to an increased hazard of MACE (adjusted HR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.34–5.67; P = 0.006). The presence of CSF is associated with a higher risk of adverse events and is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes among patients with MINOCA. This result suggests that CSF might serve as a robust tool to stratify MINOCA patients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Based on CCTA data, two clusters could be identified in patients with CAD. • The clusters are significantly different in mortality, MI, and late revascularization risks. • The clusters are characterized by the severity of stenosis in coronary arteries. • The severity of stenosis in the LM coronary artery is the strongest risk factor. • Our CCTA classifier outperformed calcium, Framingham, and Duke scores in discerning the clusters. Risk-stratification of patients has a major role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The aim was to find the most informative predictors of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing Coronary CT Angiography. We carried out a secondary analysis of a large registry dataset. The included population comprises adults aged 18 or older who underwent Coronary CT Angiography of 64-detector rows or greater. We clustered patients based on their characteristics and compared the risk for poor clinical outcomes between the two clusters. There were two clusters of patients having different risks for all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and late revascularization [hazard ratios (95%CI) = 2.28 (2.02, 2.57), 1.63 (1.40, 1.89), and 2.46 (2.1, 2.88), all P < 0.001]. The severity of stenosis in the left main coronary artery adjusted for age and sex was the most significant predictor of the high-risk cluster [adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) = 3.35 (2.98, 3.77), P < 0.001]. The severity of stenosis in the first obtuse marginal branch of the left circumflex, distal left circumflex, distal left anterior descending, posterior descending, the first diagonal branch of the left anterior descending, and proximal right coronary artery were important as well (all adjusted odds ratios ≥ 2.52). Cluster profiling showed a higher performance for CT Angiography features (sensitivity = 97.4%, specificity = 85.7%, C-statistic = 98.7%) than calcium, Framingham, and Duke scores in identifying high-risk patients (C-statistic = 82.1, 77.0, and 88.2%, respectively). Coronary CT Angiography can accurately risk-stratify patients concerning poor clinical outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

l The present study is the first to evaluate the prognostic value of coronary angiography‑derived index of microvascular resistance (caIMR) in MINOCA patients. l caIMR had a good diagnostic performance to predict future MACE in MINOCA patients. l The evaluation of the IMR can provide an objective risk stratification method for patients with MINOCA, which should be considered in the MINOCA population. Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) has been and remained a puzzling heterogeneous entity. The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) is a quantitative and specific index for the assessment of microvascular function. However, the role of IMR in MINOCA has not yet been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of coronary microvascular function, as assessed by coronary angiography‑derived index of microvascular resistance (caIMR) in MINOCA patients. This study included 109 MINOCA patients. Microvascular function was assessed by caIMR and was analyzed in 280 coronary arteries. The primary endpoint of the study was MACE, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, heart failure, stroke and angina rehospitalization. The best cut-off of caIMR was derived from ROC analysis based on MACE prediction. The patients were classified into high caIMR (caIMR>43U) and low caIMR (caIMR≤43U) based on a caIMR cut-off value of 43U. High caIMR was observed in 55 (50.5%) patients. A total of 27 MACE occurred during the 2 years of follow-up. MACE rate was significantly higher in patients with high caIMR than in patients with low caIMR (36.4% vs 13.0%, P=0.005). The Kaplan–Meier curves showed a significantly increased risk of MACE in patients with high caIMR (log-rank P=0.001). Cox multivariate analysis showed that caIMR>43 was a highly independent predictor of MACE (HR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.13 - 8.35; P=0.027). caIMR is a strong predictor of clinical outcome among MINOCA patients. The evaluation of IMR can provide an objective risk stratification method for patients with MINOCA. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of procedural myocardial infarction (MI) is matter of controversy. • Type 4a MI is significantly associated with mortality. • Including "stand-alone MI" in procedural MI weakens its prognostic value. • Evidence does not support other than type 4a MI as endpoint in clinical trials. The prognostic role of procedural myocardial infarction (MI) is still controversial and matter of ongoing debate in the scientific community. A recent ESC Consensus Document confirmed the prognostic importance of type 4a MI and defined equally clinically relevant the major peri‑procedural myocardial injury, defined as the same cardiac Troponin cut-off threshold of type 4a MI without peri‑procedural angiographic complications, electrocardiographic or imaging evidence of new myocardial ischaemia. In the present manuscript we discuss available data supporting this paradigm shift and discuss some drawbacks which should be taken into account in interpreting the results. In light of recent mounting evidence, we challenge the prognostic relevance of major periprocedural myocardial injury, suggesting that type 4a MI should be the only definition for procedural MI to be used as an endpoint in clinical trials. Definitions and prognostic relevance of type 4a myocardial infarction and "major periprocedural myocardial injury". Abbreviations: CCS, chronic coronary syndrome, PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention; cTn, cardiac troponin; URL, upper reference limit. Figure adapted from BioRender.com. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abnormal ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) is a marker of the risk for increased total and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. However, it is not clear whether it is associated with an even worse prognosis in patients with previous CV events or with cancer mortality. Consecutive subjects undergoing ABI assessment for suspected peripheral artery disease or for stratification of CV risk in ten centers in the Veneto Region (northeast Italy), between 2011 and 2014 were enrolled. The ABI was expressed as normal ≥0.9 to ≤1.3, and abnormal <0.9 or >1.3. All-cause mortality and CV or cancer mortality and hospitalizations for CV disease were collected from administrative databases up to December 2018. The study enrolled 1,177 patients. ABI was abnormal in 57.2%. Median follow-up was 61.6 months (53.4–70.1). All-cause, CV and cancer mortality were higher in patients with abnormal than normal ABI, with hazard ratios (HR) respectively 2.0 (95% CI 1.48–2.69), 1.98 (95% CI 1.24–3.17) and 1.85 (95% CI 1.09–3.15). Among subjects with abnormal ABI, the risk of overall mortality, HR 1.57 (95% CI 1.17–2.12), and CV mortality, HR 2.39 (95% CI 1.43–3.99), was higher in those with previous CV events. These latter also had a higher risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction and stroke: HR 1.85 (95% CI 1.023.37) and 2.17 (95% CI 1.10–4.28). The co-existence of abnormal ABI and a history of CV events identifies subjects at higher risk, who call for a more aggressive approach. Abnormal ABI is also a predictor of cancer mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: The prognosis and management of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have not been well evaluated since the advent of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic effect of LVT after AMI in primary PCI era and investigate the impact of triple therapy on outcomes. : We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for studies conducted in primary PCI era up to 29 March 2019, compering the incidence of embolic events and mortality after AMI between LVT patients and Non-LVT patients. Random-effect models were used. Subgroup analysis was done by comparing triple therapy treated LVT group with Non-LVT group. : A total of 12 studies were included. LVT was associated with increased risk of embolic events and long-term mortality (RR 3.97, 95%CI 2.68–5.89, P < 0.0001; RR 2.34, 95%CI 1.38–3.96, P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis was also done by comparing triple therapy treated LVT group with Non-LVT group. Despite a downward tendency was observed, the embolic risk of triple therapy subgroup was higher than non-LVT group (RR 2.79, 95%CI 1.32–5.91, P = 0.007). Triple therapy subgroup had a similar mortality rate compared with non-LVT group (RR 0.93, 95%CI 0.34–2.52, P = 0.88). : In primary PCI era, LVT formation after AMI indicated a fourfold increased embolic risk and twofold long-term mortality rate. Triple therapy may be a safe way to improve the outcomes, but still need to be confirmed by future trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Transradial access (TRA) improves outcome compared with trans-femoral access for the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes. In this setting, it is unknown whether the activation of a pre-hospital alarm system (PHAS) confers additional benefit for the prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients with a first STEMI who underwent a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) at a single center within a prospective cohort of acute coronary syndrome patients (SPUM-ACS). TRA was used in 85% of patients. We assessed how PHAS (n = 165) vs. no-PHAS (n = 166) activation was associated with the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and recurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) at 1-year follow-up. As secondary outcomes, the individual clinical endpoints were separately assessed for association. Results Compared with no-PHAS patients, patients in the PHAS group were predominantly women, and presented more frequently with dyslipidemia and cardiac arrest. A significant reduction in the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and recurrent MI at 1-year was observed in the PHAS group, compared with no-PHAS (3.6% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.027). When adjusted for age, sex and resuscitation status, PHAS activation remained associated with decreased all-cause mortality and recurrent MI (HR: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.13–0.95]; p = 0.040). Conclusions This study suggests that the benefit of PHAS activation in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI persists also in the era of TRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The prognostic role of left ventricular remodeling and renal function in elderly hypertensive patients has been so far scarcely investigated. Aims We assessed the impact of left ventricular geometry and renal function on 24 h-Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and outcome in elderly hypertensive patients. Methods We enrolled 251 asymptomatic hypertensive elderly patients (> 65 year-old). Left ventricular remodeling was evaluated by 2-D echocardiogram. Lown's class, mean QTc and standard deviation of all normal R–R intervals (SDNN) were assessed by 24-h Holter-ECG recordings. Data on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were collected for 2 years. Results Mean age was 76.2 ± 11.4 years. High Lown's classes were more frequently observed in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (57.3% vs. 23.7%; p < 0.001). Mean QTc was 444.8 ± 34.8 ms and resulted directly correlated with indexed left ventricular mass (r = 0.228; p = 0.001). Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) showed lower SDNN as compared with those with preserved renal function (92.02 ± 36.11 ms vs. 103.84 ± 33.96 ms, respectively; p = 0.017). At 2 years, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates were 38.0% and 21.1%, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (HR: 2.40; 95% C.I.1.16 to 4.99; p = 0.019), CKD (HR: 2.22; 95% C.I.1.10 to 4.52; p = 0.028), prolonged QTc (HR: 2.18; 95% C.I.1.07 to 4.41; p = 0.030) and SDNN < 96 ms (HR: 1.98; 95% C.I.1.03 to 4.13; p = 0.048) were independent predictors of cardiovascular death at 2 year follow-up. Conclusions CKD and left ventricular remodeling predicted altered ventricular batmotropism. Diabetes, CKD, heart rate variability and QTc are important predictors of cardiovascular death in elderly hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients with renal dysfunction (RD) who present with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at a high risk for subsequent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We sought to evaluate changes in the short and long term mortality of AMI patients with RD compared to patients with normal renal function over the last decade. Methods This study based on 4 bi-annually surveys was performed from 2002 to 2010 and included 9468 AMI patients, that were followed for 1 year, of whom 2770 (29%) had reduced estimated GFR ([eGFR] < 60 ml/min/m 2 ). Among patients with reduced eGFR: 1251 patients (45%) were included in the 2002–2005 surveys (early period) and 1519 (55%) in the 2006–2010 surveys (late period). Results Patients with RD were more likely to have advanced cardiovascular disease, multiple comorbidities and higher in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates (8.1%,12.3% and 23% vs. 0.7%, 1.7% and 4%, respectively; all p < 0.001). Patients with RD enrolled during the late survey periods were more likely to undergo primary PCI and be discharged with current evidence based medical treatment. 1-year mortality rates were significantly lower among patients with RD who were enrolled during the late vs. early survey periods: 22% vs. 25% respectively; (Log-rank P-value < 0.001). Consistently, multivariate analysis showed that patients with RD who were enrolled during the late survey periods displayed a lower adjusted risk for 1-year mortality (HR 0.83; CI[0.70–0.94] P = 0.01). Conclusions Prognosis of patients with RD admitted with AMI has significantly improved over the last decade, possibly due to an improvement of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]