Eight predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after a heart attack

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute have identified eight major factors that increase the risk of common bleeding complications after a heart attack

The results of the study were published today in the "European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Drug Therapy" and will be presented at the Digital European Society of Cardiology Congress on August 27

"If we can identify high-risk patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding after a heart attack, doctors will be able to take preventive measures to reduce this risk," said Moa Simonsson, the corresponding author of the study, and associate consultant at Karolinska University Hospital, Dan Doctoral student in the Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Dandande Hospital

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common bleeding complications after acute myocardial infarction

Over the past two decades, increased attention to bleeding complications has led to several strategies to reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

1.

Researchers have confirmed several known factors that increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, including low levels of hemoglobin (a protein that helps transport oxygen in the blood), previous upper gastrointestinal bleeding, age and enhanced anti- Thrombosis treatment

Through an algorithm, they also discovered new risk factors, including smoking, blood pressure, blood sugar, and previous treatments for stomach problems, such as ulcers and acid reflux

Co-author Philip Sarajic said: "If you combine traditional statistical models with machine learning methods, you can create unique opportunities to discover previously unknown key risk factors for cardiovascular events

In the large-scale clinical study that will be carried out this fall, researchers will start an important clinical study to investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of common upper gastrointestinal infections

" Incidence, associated outcomes and predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding following acute myocardial infarction – a SWEDEHEART based nationwide cohort study .