ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients ≤35 Years of Age

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients under 35 is uncommon but clinically significant.
• Limited data exists on the epidemiology, clinical features, and long-term outcomes of young STEMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.
• Understanding these characteristics is crucial for risk stratification and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients aged 35 years or younger who experienced STEMI.
• To assess the risk factors, in-hospital outcomes, and long-term prognosis of this specific patient cohort.
• To provide insights into the management and outcomes of STEMI in the young population.

Main Methods:

• Observational study conducted between January 2004 and September 2016 across three medical centers.
• Data collected from prospective interventional cardiology databases, medical histories, and phone interviews.
• Analysis of 61 patients aged ≤35 with STEMI out of a total of 3,883 STEMI cases.

Main Results:

• The study identified 61 patients ≤35 with STEMI, predominantly male (88%), smokers (80%), and overweight (67%).
• A significant proportion (26%) reported drug consumption, and only 3% were free of conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
• In-hospital mortality was 5%, with a 5.9-year follow-up revealing 96.6% survival and a 17.2% incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

• STEMI in young individuals is a rare condition associated with several modifiable predisposing factors.
• These young patients generally present with a low clinical risk profile and exhibit an excellent short- and long-term prognosis when treated with contemporary interventions.
• Highlighting modifiable risk factors is essential for prevention and management strategies in young STEMI patients.