Vol 16, No 4 (2009)
Review Article
Published online: 2009-05-12

open access

Page views 1188
Article views/downloads 2196
Get Citation

Connect on Social Media

Connect on Social Media

Myocardial infarction in young people

Ewa Trzos, Barbara Uznańska, Tomasz Rechciński, Maria Krzemińska-Pakuła, Magdalena Bugała, Małgorzata Kurpesa
Cardiol J 2009;16(4):307-311.

Abstract

An estimated 6 to 10% of myocardial infarctions occur in patients under the age of 45. Usually this applies to men, but an increasing prevalence is being observed among women. Atherosclerosis, often one vessel disease, is the main cause. The presence of classic risk factors affects the dynamics of coronary artery disease: the strongest risk factor is smoking, regardless of gender. Environmental influence is also possible. No atherosclerosis is found in 20% of young patients. In such cases, the most frequent mechanisms of ischemia are: coronary artery embolism (5%), thrombosis (5%), anomalies (4%) and inflammation or spasm of the vessel. Age is an independent prognostic factor. Thus the clinical outcome after myocardial infarction is better in younger than in older patients.

Article available in PDF format

View PDF Download PDF file