Myocardial Infarction and Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Older Patients in Primary Care

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Geriatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in aging populations.
• Understanding the prevalence of myocardial infarction and associated risk factors in older adults is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Primary care settings are vital for identifying and managing cardiovascular risk in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) among older adults receiving primary care.
• To investigate the association between MI and key cardiovascular risk factors in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,322 older adults in northern Brazil.
• Data collection occurred in 2020, encompassing MI status and risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and smoking.
• Statistical analysis identified significant associations between risk factors and MI.

Main Results:

• Myocardial infarction was prevalent in 10.5% of the older adult population studied.
• Significant risk factors for MI included diabetes (OR=5.27), hypertension (OR=5.24), chronic kidney disease (OR=5.20), and obesity (OR=2.87).
• While MI was slightly more common in men, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.327).

Conclusions:

• Myocardial infarction affects a substantial proportion of older adults in primary care settings.
• Established cardiovascular risk factors significantly elevate the likelihood of MI in this age group.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and consistent health surveillance are critical for preventing MI in older adults.