Young Hearts go Ischemic too.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Young presentation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been poorly described in literature. We hereby evaluate patients younger than 30 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study we enrolled 1377 patients who underwent coronary angiography for symptoms concerning for acute coronary syndrome over a period of one year. RESULTS: Male predominance (100%) was seen among the young patients (less than 30 years) with most common presentation being chest pain. Incidence of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was significantly higher (75%) than non-ST elevation myocardial infarction/ unstable angina (NSTEMI/UA). Most common associated risk factor was current smoking (41.6%). As compared to elderly, young patients were seen to have better outcome with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Very young <30 years suffer from ischemia too and may differ in presentation, risk factors and outcome as compared to old. Primary prevention of avoidable risk factors should be aggressively promoted among young.