Sex-related differences in left ventricular strain recovery in young patients with acute coronary syndrome and single-vessel disease after percutaneous coronary intervention: a 12-month follow-up stud

Abstract Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young adults is an increasingly recognized entity, often associated with modifiable risk factors such as dyslipidemia. Limited data exist regarding longitudinal myocardial recovery using strain imaging in this population. Objectives To assess left ventricular myocardial strain recovery in young patients (≤40 years) with single-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS, and to evaluate sex-related differences in recovery patterns at 6 and 12 months. Methods We prospectively enrolled 156 patients aged 19–40 years (mean age: X ± SD; 112 men, 44 women) with first-time ACS and single-vessel CAD treated with successful PCI. All patients had segmental wall motion abnormalities on initial echocardiography. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured via speckle-tracking echocardiography at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months post-infarction. All patients had dyslipidemia but no significant comorbidities. Results GLS significantly improved over time in the overall cohort (baseline: –13.4 ± 2.1%; 6 months: –16.2 ± 1.9%; 12 months: –17.3 ± 1.7%; p