Clinical and Etiological Profile of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Young

Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries like India. Myocardial infarction has been recognized among younger age group more frequently in recent years. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the risk factors in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction younger than 40 years. Out of the 50 patients analyzed, 44 were males and 6 females with the mean age of 36 ± 4.2 years. Dyslipidemia was the most prevalent risk factor at 82% followed by smoking (80%), family history (72%), low socioeconomic status (52%), hypertension (46%), sedentary life style (40%), psychological stress (38%), obesity (36%), and diabetes (14%). Most of patients had more than two risk factors. More common presenting symptom was chest pain (92%). All diabetic patients presented with angina equivalents. Hypertension was the most common finding (46%). Dyslipidemia, smoking, hypertension, and sedentary life style are the major modifiable risk factors in our young adults. Whenever young male who is smoker or obese presents in emergency room with chest pain, we have to suspect myocardial Infarction. Other conventional risk factors are also prevalent but alcohol and OCPs are not a major health problem for South Indians.