Clinical and angiographic features of young patients with myocardial infarction

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is less common in young adults than in middle-aged and elderly people, but clinical interest to this problem is increasing due to the potential for premature death and long-term disability. Aim of the current study was to identify clinical, laboratory, and angiographic features of young (≤45 years) patients with MI. Methods: The study included 81 patients with acute MI who were divided into 2 age categories: 34 patients ≤45 years old (group 1), and 47 patients >45 years old (group 2). All patients underwent laboratory and instrumental studies, including coronary angiography. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA 12.0. Results: The gender composition was represented predominantly by men (88% versus 81%, p>0.05). Young patients more often had ST-segment elevation on ECG (88%), while in older patients N-STEMI was more common (26% versus 12%, p=0.035). Younger patients had significantly higher troponin levels (p=0.028), indicating potentially greater myocardial injury. Angiographically, the incidence of single vessel disease was higher in patients below 45 years old (67.6 versus 29.7%, p