Clinical and Coronary Angiographic Insights Into Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Young Patients: A Study From a Tertiary Care Cardiac ICU

Background This investigation addresses the major effects of early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) on community health, noting its association with elevated incidences of recurrent ischemic events and mortality. The study specifically explores the contributing factors, clinical symptoms, angiographic findings, and management strategies for individuals aged 45 or younger who experience their initial ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methodology This observational study took place over a six-month period within the cardiology unit, involving 100 sequential patients diagnosed with STEMI. Results With a mean age of 42.5 years, the research had 100 patients, of which nine (9%) were under 25, 24 (24%) were between 26 and 35, and 67 (67%) were over 36. Of these, 89 (89%) were male. The following risk variables were found: obstructive CAD, smoking, being overweight, diabetes, hypertension, chest discomfort, and syncope. In 99 patients (99%), the most prevalent symptom was chest discomfort. Most often impacted was the left anterior descending (LAD) artery in 24 patients (24%), then the right coronary artery in 14 patients (14%). A total of 50 patients (50%) had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with 15 patients (15%) undergoing elective PCI, 10 patients (10%) with pharmaco-invasive PCI, and 20 patients (20%) receiving primary PCI. In eight cases (8%), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was required. Furthermore, 40 patients (40%) were under medical care, and 32 patients (32%) had recanalized and normal coronaries. No mortality was recorded in this study. Conclusions Acute myocardial infarction is most frequently seen in very young adult males, and the most common risk factor is smoking. The most common clinical manifestation, anterior wall myocardial infarction, was caused by the main source of involvement, the LAD artery.