Pattern of Coronary Artery Disease in Young Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD), historically considered a malady of the elderly, has increasingly emerged as a significant health concern among young adults, including individuals in their third or fourth decade of life. Objective: The primary aim of the study is to identify the pattern of coronary artery disease in young patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary cardiac care center in Rawalpindi from July 2023 to November 2023. The study included a cohort of 180 young patients aged less than 45 years who were diagnosed with ACS. These patients were identified from medical records and databases over a defined time period. Detailed demographic data, including age, gender, and pertinent medical history, were extracted from the medical records of each patient. This information facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the patient population under investigation. Results: Data were collected from 180 patients. The analysis of clinical profiles and demographics revealed a diverse patient population. The study cohort comprised individuals with a mean age of 39 years. Male patients predominated, constituting approximately 65% of the cohort. Among the study participants, 40% had a documented history of smoking, while 20% reported a family history of CAD. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor, affecting nearly 50% of the patients, followed by hyperlipidemia (30%) and diabetes (20%). Conclusion: It is concluded that coronary artery disease (CAD) is not confined to older age groups but can significantly impact young individuals aged less than 45 years presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The prevalence of traditional risk factors and genetic predisposition among these patients underscores the multifactorial nature of CAD in this demographic.