Risk factors in a cohort of young adults who developed a myocardial infarction

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally ( WHO, 2016 ). Aim: This study determined the most prevalent risk factors for developing a myocardial infarction in a cohort of adults younger than 45 years. Method: A retrospective study was carried out in a large Dublin university hospital. This cross-sectional quantitative study involved convenience sampling (n=92). Results: Abnormal fasting glucose on admission, smoking and obesity were the most prevalent risk factors. Males were more at risk than females. No single type of myocardial infarction was significantly more common than any other. Single vessel disease was the most prevalent angiographic finding. Chest pain was the most common presenting symptom and the majority of adults had three risk factors. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with a myocardial infarction in young adults are essentially modifiable. Prevention must be kept at the forefront of primary care, and prioritised and driven by health-care policy.