Conventional cardiovascular risk factors in young individuals with three-vessel coronary artery disease experiencing sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Abstract Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young victims under 50 years of age. Despite the young age, highly advanced CAD is a common finding at autopsies. Purpose We aimed to determine the prevalence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors in ischemic SCD victims under the age of 50 years with a three-vessel CAD detected at autopsy. Methods The study population was derived from the Fingesture study, consisting of consecutive victims of SCD in Northern Finland between years 1998-2017 (n=5,869). All victims underwent medico-legal autopsy with histological examinations, and toxicology investigations was performed if necessary. Pre-mortem clinical history was obtained from available medical records and medication, questionnaires to closest family members and police reports about the conditions of the death. Results In the Fingesture study, a total of 266 SCDs caused by CAD were observed in victims under 50 years of age. Three-vessel disease was detected in 118 victims (44%). The victims with three-vessel disease had more commonly a history of diabetes (26% vs. 14%, p=0.017) compared with victims with fewer major coronary arteries affected. No statistically significant difference was detected in the prevalence of known dyslipidemia (16% vs. 9%, p=0.134), hypertension (29% vs. 19%, p=0.103), male gender (88% vs. 91%, p=0.552), family history of SCD (33% vs. 36%, p=0.841), smoking (81% vs. 72%, p=0.371), or mean age (45 years vs. 44 years, p=0.120). Conclusions The history of diabetes was the only conventional risk factor associated with three-vessel disease in young individuals who experienced SCD determined to be caused by CAD. Along with previous studies, these results highlight the role of diabetes in the development of CAD and adverse outcomes in young people.