Venous Function of the Leg in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Venous volume and venous outflow of the calf were studied with strain gauge plethysmography in 50 unselected patients with an acute myocardial infarction. These parameters increased during the first days if the course of the infarction was uncomplicated. In complicated myocardial infarction however, no such increase was registered. In patients without complications, venous volume and venous outflow were higher in those who were mobilized compared to inactive ones, and patients with an anterior infarction had higher values than those with other locations of their myocardial infarction. Deterioration of venous function apparently is associated with more severe disease, and may predispose to a further complication, deep vein thrombosis.