Comparison of risk factors and complications in patients with myocardial infarction of two types, STEMI and NSTEMI, between the age groups greater than 40 years and less than 40 years

Abstract

Background: AMI, commonly referred to in general terms as a heart attack, is often caused by reduced or interrupted blood flow to a part of the heart, leading to myocardial necrosis. This is generally the result of a blood clot in the coronary artery that supplies that area of the heart muscle. Methods: An observational study of the type of cross-sectional study. This study targeted the patients of Damascus Hospital. Where the sample was randomly selected, about (200) patients were selected who met specific acceptance criteria, the most important of which is the presence of adequate information in the file, while all patients were excluded according to specific exclusion criteria. - Admission Criteria: Patients admitted to the ambulance or internal department at Al-Mujtahid Hospital, who were treated within the hospital and were not referred to other hospitals. - Exclusion criteria: Patients whose information important for conducting the research was not explicitly documented in the files or who had a lack of basic study information. - Place of study: Damascus Hospital (Al-Mujtahid). - Study time: between 1/12/2023 and 4/15/2023. Results: The most important factors and determinants associated with a higher risk of developing myocardial infarction in a certain age group (under 40 years) than the corresponding ones (over 40 years) according to the conducted statistical analysis: - Under 40 years of age: alcoholism and a family history of death from heart disease. - Over 40 years: BMI, low physical and physical activity, unhealthy diet, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure. Conclusion: Through our study that compared the risk factors for myocardial infarction, we recommend avoiding all risk factors for myocardial infarction, especially before the age of 40 years, as these factors accelerate the risk of myocardial infarction and the risk of life-threatening complications or even death. Therefore, we recommend the following: - Avoid excessive alcohol consumption at a young age because of its current and cumulative effect on the risk of myocardial infarction. - We recommend that all patients under the age of 40 and those with a family history of myocardial infarction visit a cardiologist regularly for examinations and reassurance. - Maintain low-effort exercise on a daily basis, such as walking. And moderate-intensity sports twice a week for all age groups, especially for those under 40 years old. Many of the risk factors for myocardial infarction do not often exist suddenly or without warning, but rather they are cumulative with age, so paying attention to heart and physical health before the age of 40 has the greatest impact in preventing or avoiding the risks of infection in the future.