Risk factors for ventricular tachycardia in acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction patients of a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar

Introduction: Ventricular arrhythmias are the most common cause of death in various ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients and can be prevented if diagnosed and managed in time. Objectives: To document the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia in patients with acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) admitted to a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar and to identify associated risk factors. Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study consisting of 252 MI patients of 51-60 years of age, were observed for the presence of ventricular tachycardia at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from September 2017 to January 2018. Results: Hypertension was found to be the most common risk factor for ventricular tachycardia observed in 180 patients. Diabetes mellitus was the 2nd most common risk factor present in 104 patients while smoking was found in 56 patients. The most common location of ST-Elevation MI was anterior wall myocardial infarction (30.2%) occurring in 76 patients. Conclusion: Ventricular tachycardia occurred in a quarter of the patients presenting with acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction, and was more common in anterior wall MI followed by extensive anterior wall MI.