An analysis of the risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients aged 55 and younger with proven heart disease.

Reversible and non-reversible risk factors were studied in 207 patients with proven coronary heart disease (CHD) aged 55 years or less who had recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Major reversible risk factors for CHD: cigarette smoking history, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension and the minor risk factors obesity, sedentary lifestyle and diabetes; and in females the oral contraceptive pill; as well as the non-reversible risk factors such as a positive family history of CHD were assessed. Smoking was present in 83.1%, hypercholesterolaemia (5.2 mmol/l) in 80.2%, and a history of hypertension in 30.4% of the patients. One or more of the major reversible risk factors was present in 82.6% of the patients and only 1% had no risk factors for CHD. The presence of reversible risk factors indicate "destructive lifestyles" and operate even in the presence of known CHD. A strong case is made for a preventive programme for this group of patients.