Young Hearts go Ischemic too.

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.