Risk factors for first-time acute myocardial infarction patients in Trinidad

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors exhibit global variations.
• Understanding local CAD risk is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
• This study focused on identifying CAD risk factors for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Trinidad's public healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the specific risk factors associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among patients in Trinidad.
• To utilize a case-control study design for robust risk factor analysis.
• To inform public health strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention in the region.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 251 AMI patients and 464 matched controls.
• Data analysis involved chi-square tests, odds ratios (OR), and conditional multiple binary logistic regression using SPSS.
• Key clinical and lifestyle variables were assessed for their association with AMI.

Main Results:

• Significant associations with AMI were found for stressful life events, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, ischemic heart disease (IHD), family history of IHD, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
• Logistic regression identified smoking, stressful life events, diabetes, hypertension, and IHD as significant predictors of AMI.
• The study found that smoking, a stressful life, diabetes, hypertension, and IHD were the most useful predictors of AMI.

Conclusions:

• Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are identified as significant predictors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• Managing stress is also highlighted as a potentially useful factor in preventing AMI.
• These findings underscore the importance of addressing modifiable lifestyle and clinical factors in cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.