The Role of Unknown Risk Factors in Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) also known as "heart attack", is the death of cardiac muscle resulting from ischemia. Objectives: To evaluate risk factors in myocardial infarction like age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, positive family history, high level of cholesterol, stress and poor physical activity. Methods: This is a retrospective study on 163 myocardial infarction cases, conducted in the cardiology ward and CCU at a General Public Hospital, Baroda. Results: The majority of our patients were old men in the age range of 60 - 69 years. Amongst all patients 36.7% were smokers, 61.3% were type A personality group, 18.5% were active, 81.5% were physically inactive, 28.9% had hypertension, 23.3% were diabetic, 17.5% had hyperlipidemia and 33.2% had positive family history of myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Amongst people, to increase awareness regarding moderate physical activity, cessation of cigarette smoking, increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, as to tackle the problem and identifying the new risk factors for MI.