Risk Factors and the Presenting Symptoms Among Young Males with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the most common
predisposing risk factors and presenting symptoms of
acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurring among the
young males aged below 49 years.
Methods: In this descriptive study a total of 200 cases
of confirmed and diagnosed ACS males aged below 49
years presenting for the first time were included. History,
clinical findings and laboratory investigations were
recorded to evaluate each case individually. Risk factors
and the presenting picture were studied in detail so as to
evaluate the outcome.
Results: Major risk factors were smoking
(64.5%),hypertension(45%),diabetes mellitus(37%) and
alcoholism(4.5%).Dyslipidemias were found in 86.6%
cases(97/112 patients).Chest pain (93%) followed by
sweating(69%) and palpitations(60.5%) was the commonest
clinical presentation. Majority (99%) of the patients were
with positive ECG changes while 93.5% had raised cardiac
enzymes on serum biochemistry.
Conclusion: The rising incidence of ACS among young
population especially males has common risk factors and
specific symptoms.