ASSOCIATION OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WITH RISK FACTORS IN KHAIRPUR CITY, PAKISTAN

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, accounting for over 75% of such deaths globally, predominantly in developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the primary risk factors for initial ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction in Khairpur City to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, including 153 matched pairs based on age (within a 5-year range) and sex. Participants were evaluated for various potential risk factors, including lifestyle habits, biochemical profiles, and familial health history, to identify those significantly associated with AMI. Results: Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of AMI included smoking (OR=3.75 for <5 cigarettes/day; OR=2.90 for >5 cigarettes/day), elevated plasma glucose (>126 mg/dL, OR=2.65), high waist-to-hip ratio (>0.94, OR=2.30), family history of coronary artery disease (OR=2.10), high LDL-cholesterol levels (100-120 mg/dL, OR=1.95; >120 mg/dL, OR=1.90), and hypertension (OR=2.00). Diabetes mellitus also significantly correlated with AMI risk (OR=1.60). Conversely, alcohol consumption displayed a protective effect, particularly at a frequency of 3–7 days per week (OR=0.65). Conclusion: The common risk factors for AMI in Khairpur City, such as smoking, type 2 diabetes, and central obesity, align with global trends. Effective public health policies targeting these risk factors could substantially reduce the AMI burden.