Risk factors for coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome in patients ≤40 years old.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we assessed the risk factor profile in premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome for adults ≤40 years old.

METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis of 397 patients ≤40 years old admitted from 2005 to 2014 for chest pain and who underwent coronary arteriography.

RESULTS: Of 397 patients that had undergone coronary arteriography, 54% had CAD while 46% had normal coronary arteries. When compared with patients with normal coronary arteries, patients with CAD were more likely to smoke tobacco, have dyslipidemia, be diabetic, have BMI >30 kg/m(2), have a family history of premature CAD and be male in gender.

CONCLUSION: Healthcare intervention in the general population through screening, counseling and education regarding the risk factors is warranted to reduce premature CAD.