Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite significant advances in reperfusion therapy and secondary prevention. Structural and functional changes of the left ventricle (LV) following AMI, commonly referred to as left ventricular remodeling, play a crucial role in the development of chronic heart failure, malignant arrhythmias, recurrent ischemic events, and increased long-term mortality. Therefore, early detection and accurate assessment of LV remodeling are essential for risk stratification and optimization of therapeutic strategies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular remodeling in patients after acute myocardial infarction using echocardiographic parameters—left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)—and to determine their prognostic significance in predicting adverse clinical outcomes.

This observational study included patients hospitalized with confirmed acute myocardial infarction who underwent standard reperfusion therapy. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed during the early post-infarction period (days 5–7) and repeated after six months of follow-up. LV volumes were measured using the biplane Simpson’s method, and LVEF was calculated according to current echocardiographic guidelines. Changes in echocardiographic parameters over time were analyzed and correlated with clinical outcomes such as development of heart failure, rehospitalization, and mortality.

The results demonstrated that progressive increases in LVEDV and LVESV were strongly associated with adverse remodeling and unfavorable prognosis. Patients with significantly increased LV volumes exhibited a higher incidence of heart failure symptoms and reduced functional capacity. A decreased ejection fraction, particularly LVEF below 40%, was identified as a powerful independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes. The dynamic assessment of LV remodeling provided valuable information beyond baseline measurements alone.

In conclusion, echocardiography is a reliable and non-invasive method for the evaluation of left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF are key prognostic indicators that allow early identification of high-risk patients. Regular echocardiographic monitoring of these parameters may contribute to improved risk stratification, individualized treatment planning, and better long-term outcomes in post-infarction patients.

Acute myocardial infarction, left ventricular remodeling, echocardiography, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, ejection fraction, heart failure, prognosis

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