Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the young population is associated with poor prognosis. Several modifiable risk factors have been identified as contributors to the development of AMI in this age group. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AMI among young adults and to identify the most common associated risk factors.
Methods: A prospective clinical follow-up study was conducted in the Coronary Care Units (CCU) of Azadi Teaching Hospital and Kirkuk General Hospital, Kirkuk, from June 1 to November 30, 2018. A total of 250 patients diagnosed with AMI were included and stratified into two groups: young patients (<55 years) and older patients (≥55 years).
Result: The prevalence of AMI in the young age group was 40.8% (102 patients). Significant associations were observed between AMI in young patients and risk factors such as smoking, a positive family history of ischemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes mellitus, and alcohol consumption. Heart failure emerged as a notable complication among young patients with AMI. Additional findings are discussed in the main text.
Conclusions: AMI is notably prevalent among the young population and is strongly linked to multiple modifiable risk factors, particularly smoking, alcohol use, and a family history of IHD.