Objectives
Our purpose was to describe the prevalence, distribution, extension, and prognostic value of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients resuscitated from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with non‐diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG).
Background
The impact of CAD and the indication for cardiac catheterization (CC) in patients resuscitated from SCA with non‐diagnostic ECG are uncertain.
Methods
We included prospectively and consecutively 545 patients resuscitated from SCA with at least one CC during hospitalization. From them, 203 patients with a non‐diagnostic ECG formed our study population. Patients were followed‐up 5 years after discharge.
Results
Overall, 125 (61.6%) patients had significant CAD, and at least one acute culprit lesion was found in 25 (12.4%). Regarding the burden and complexity of CAD, 78 (38.4%) patients had a CAD Prognostic Index of 0 and a SYNTAX score of 0. There was higher 5‐year mortality only in patients with very high burden of CAD: three vessels with severe stenosis (P = 0.015) and CAD Prognostic Index Score ≥ 56 (P < 0.001). Tertiles of SYNTAX score did not predict higher 5‐year mortality.
Conclusions
In survivors from SCA with a non‐diagnostic ECG, significant CAD is highly prevalent. SYNTAX score was not associated with a different long‐term prognosis in this patient population. Patients with severe disease in the three main coronary vessels and patients with higher (≥56) CAD Prognostic Index Score had a worse long‐term prognosis.