Figure 27-16 Strategy for identifying patients who should undergo cardiac catheterization after acute myocardial infarction (MI). This strategy is based on clinical assessment, evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function by radionuclide angiography (RNA) or echocardiography (Echo), analysis of arrhythmias, and stress testing. CHF, overt congestive heart failure; ECG, electrocardiogram; EF, ejection fraction. (Redrawn from Epstein SE, Palmeri ST, Patterson RE: Evaluation of patients after acute myocardial infarction. Indications for cardiac catheterization and surgical intervention. N Engl J Med 307:1487, 1982.)