Early myocardial infarction and its risk factors in patients admitted in Rasul-e-Akram Hospital

Introduction: Following urbanization of developing world and increase in prevalence of risk factors for Ischemic Heart Diseases (IHD), the major global burden of IHD is in low and middle income countries. This study was designed to determine trends in early MI (Myocardial Infarction) during ten years and comparison of its risk factors with other patients with MI. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected data about age, sex and history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and smoking of 1829 patients with first ST Elevation MI (STEMI) admitted in Rasul-e-Akram Hospital from 1998 to 2007 for data analysis, we used SPSS software. Results: Of 1829 patients with first STEMI, 25.2% of them had early MI which consisted of 84% men and 16% women (P<0.001). Trends in proportion of early MI had no statistically significant change in men, women and totally in a period of 10 years. Smoking was the most frequent risk factor (47.3%) with significantly higher proportions in men than in women with or without early MI and its relative frequency in patients with early MI was more than others (P<0.001). In women with early MI, smoking, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia were more prevalent than other women, however these differences weren't statistically significant. Hypertension was more frequent in older women (P<0.001). Conclusion: In spite of stability in trend of early MI during the 10 years period, higher frequency of smoking in patients, specially in men and younger patients showed the necessity of comprehensive planning for primary prevention and control of smoking.