Measurement of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activation Post Myocardial Infarction

Patients will be recruited by a physician referral into the study. Patients will be referred to the study by the cardiologist in the cardiac catheterization lab at Yale New Haven Hospital. Patient recruitment will be limited to patients who are English speakers. Informed consent will be obtained by Dr. Albert Sinusas, MD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction characterized by (1) greater than 30 minutes of chest pain; (2) ST elevation in 2 contiguous leads greater than 2mV; and (3) elevated serum markers greater than three times the normal value.
• Males or females 18 years of age or older.
• Adequate intravenous access in one arm.
• Willing to comply with the requirements of the protocol.
• Provided written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of significant co-morbidity requiring hospitalization separate from acute myocardial infarction (i.e. metastatic cancer).
• History of/current structural heart disease.
• Arrhythmia
• History of previous myocardial infarction
• History of coronary revascularization
• Cardiogenic shock
• Hypotension
• Renal failure (creatinine >2mg/dl) or hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.5mg/dl)
• History of allergic reaction to gadolinium
• Contraindication to undergo MR imaging (pacemaker, metallic implants, etc)
• History of claustrophobia
• Pregnant or breast-feeding, or (if pre-menopausal), not practicing acceptable method of birth control.
• History of any other conditions, which in the judgment of the investigator, are likely to hinder or confuse study conduct or to pose a safety concern to the patient.
• Resting HR >110
• Chronic tetracycline or doxycycline use
• Ongoing/active rheumatic disease requiring significant anti-inflammatory agents, steroids or immunosuppression
• Not capable of informed consent