Age-Related Differences of Risk Profile and Angiographic Findings in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major health problem which imposes a significant burden on health care
systems because of high morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To compare the risk factors profile for coronary heart
disease in young and old subjects. Methods: Total 100 patients (50 subjects less than 40 years of age and 50 subjects
more than 40 years of age) with acute coronary syndrome or stable angina who were undergoing coronary angiogram in
the Department of Cardiology, University Cardiac Center, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka, from
July 2006 to June 2008 were evaluated for the presence coronary artery disease risk factors e.g. hypertension, dyslipidemia
and smoking. Results: The mean age of the study population in younger group was (33.0 ± 6.4) years and in older group
(52.0±8.6). The male to female ratio in both groups was 4:1. Smokers were more in younger group (70.0% vs. 46.0%) (p =
0.032). Hypertension was less in the younger group (38.0% vs. 58.0%) (p = 0.045). Presence of diabetes was higher in the
older age group (34.0% vs. 4.0%) (p = 0.001). Higher incidence of family history of coronary heart disease was in the
younger age group. The total cholesterol was higher in older group (182.9 ± 33.1) vs. (171.1 ± 24.8 mg/dl) (p = 0.047). 68%
of patients of older group and 38% of younger group had stenosis in left anterior descending artery (p = 0.003). The
involvement of left circumflex and right coronary artery in older age group were higher (56% and 66% respectively) than
those in younger group (36% and 40% respectively) (p = 0.045 and p = 0.009). Conclusion: Ischemic heart disease in
younger adults < 40 years had different risk profile characteristics than older patients.

Key words: Coronary heart disease; acute coronary syndrome; stable angina; risk factors.

DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v3i1.5508

BSMMU J 2010; 3(1): 13-17