Serum zinc concentration in acute myocardial infarction.

The serum zinc concentration was examined in 61 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were admitted within twenty-four hours after the onset. Forty-two of 61 patients were admitted within twelve hours. The zinc level fell sharply as early as within three hours after the onset. The minimum values were attained two or three days after infarction and then rose to normal values within five to ten days. There was a mild degree of change and early recovery in 9 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery. The pathologic factors that could influence these two conditions are discussed. In those patients whose serum zinc concentrations were remarkably lowered, clinically estimated severity was far graver, and prognosis seemed to be much worse. It should be asked whether zinc supplementation would be of therapeutic benefit to patients with acute infarction.