Association Between Circulating Oxidized LDL Cholesterol Levels and Premature Myocardial Infarction: A Case-Control Study

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) occurs less frequently in younger individuals compared to older ones. The development of atherosclerotic plaque is primarily linked to oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Ox-LDL). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate circulating Ox-LDL levels in individuals with premature MI and compare them to controls without a history of ischemic heart disease. Methods: In this case-control study, 35 patients who experienced a premature MI within 24 hours of symptom onset and met the age criteria (men ≤ 55 years and women ≤ 65 years) were recruited as cases. For comparison, 35 age and sex-matched individuals without a history of ischemic heart disease were selected as controls. Results: Analysis of circulating Ox-LDL levels revealed a significant elevation in patients with premature MI compared to controls (2.25 ± 1.78 vs. 1.04 ± 1.17 µg/dL; P = 0.002). Elevated Ox-LDL levels were associated with a 1.70-fold increased risk of premature MI compared to healthy individuals (95% CI: 1.16 - 2.49; P = 0.007). Conclusions: This study demonstrates an association between elevated Ox-LDL levels and premature MI, particularly in younger individuals. Measuring Ox-LDL levels may help predict heart attack risk, and interventions aimed at reducing these levels could potentially prevent atherosclerosis.