Metabolic Acidosis in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Fifty cases of acute myocardial infarction have been investigated with respect to the development of metabolic acidosis. In this series 66% of such cases developed a significant acidosis. In a proportion of shocked cases correction with intravenous sodium bicarbonate resulted in a rise in systolic blood-pressure. Of the 50 patients 13 (26%) died within 28 days. Twelve of the fatal cases in this series showed a significant base deficit, only one being in the non-acidotic group. The non-acidotic patients had a significantly better prognosis. Measurement of metabolic acidosis may be a useful guide to the degree and severity of acute myocardial infarction. A significant base deficit occurring within 12 hours of infarction carried a 28% mortality in this series. © 1966, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.