Abstract
Introduction: Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients have more comorbidities and extensive CAD than STEMI patients. However, there is a need for comparative data on the long-term prognosis and resource utilization of stable patients after these MI subtypes. Methods: TIGRIS enrolled 9027 stable patients 1-3 years post-MI (369 centers, 25 countries) with ≥1 risk factor (age ≥65 years, diabetes, 2nd prior MI, multivessel CAD, CKD). The incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events and deaths, and self-reported EQ-D5 score were recorded over 2 years. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to compare STEMI and NSTEMI patients for relative risks, adjusting for prognostically relevant patient factors. Results: MI subtype was known in 8494 patients (STEMI: 56%; NSTEMI: 44%). At enrollment, NSTEMI patients were more likely to be older, have diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and prior CAD compared with STEMI patients. NSTEMI patients had significantly poorer self-rated health and a lower use of dual antiplatelet therapy at discharge and 1-3 years later. NSTEMI patients had a higher incidence of the composite of MI, stroke and CV death over 2 years (5.6% vs 4.0%, p<0.001) and higher all-cause mortality (4.1% vs 2.6%, p<0.001) vs STEMI patients (Figure). These excess risks for the composite outcome attenuated after adjusting for baseline characteristics (adj RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.96-1.45, p=0.11), but remained significant for all-cause mortality (adj RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02-1.68, p=0.03). Resource utilization over 2 years was higher in NSTEMI patients, although the mean number of cardiologist visits were higher for STEMI patients (4.2 vs 2.8, p<0.001). Conclusions: NSTEMI patients had a less favorable risk profile and experienced more adverse CV events during long-term follow-up than STEMI patients, but had less intense cardiology follow-up. Continued efforts are needed to optimize secondary prevention and care of stable patients after NSTEMI.