ES Coronary risk factor profiles according to different age categories in premature coronary artery disease patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention

Executive Summary

Coronary risk factor profiles according to different age categories in premature coronary artery disease patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention

Azhari Rosman

SukmaAzureen Nazli, Azhari Rosman, NoorAlicezah Mohd Kasim, AlyaaAl‑Khateeb, Ahmad Zia Ul‑Saufe, Ahmad Bakhtiar Md Radzi, Khairul Shafq Ibrahim, Sazzli Shahlan Kasim & Hapizah Nawawi

Published: Scientific Reports. 3 July 2024;14:15326

Background

Understanding Early-Onset Heart Disease: Key Risk Factors and Prevention

This study focuses on premature coronary artery disease (PCAD)—a condition where people develop heart disease earlier than expected. Researchers analyzed data from over 29,000 patients in Malaysia who underwent a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2007 and 2018.

Key Findings:

 

High Prevalence in Malaysia

  • About 28% of patients had PCAD, which is higher than in other countries. More worryingly, Malaysians develop heart disease at a younger age compared to Western countries.

 

Top Risk Factors

The study found that the biggest contributors to early heart disease were:

  • High LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Past heart attack (myocardial infarction)

 

Gender Differences

  • Men are more likely to develop heart disease earlier.
  • However, postmenopausal women are at higher risk as they age due to changes in cholesterol levels.

 

Hypertension & Diabetes – A Surprising Finding

  • While high blood pressure and diabetes are known risks, the study found they were more common in older heart patients, suggesting they contribute to later-onset heart disease rather than early-onset cases.

 

Conclusion:

The research emphasizes the importance of early prevention and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease. Key takeaways include:

  • Regular health screenings to monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.
  • Quitting smoking to drastically lower the risk.
  • Healthy eating & exercise to control weight and cholesterol levels.
  • Managing stress and sleep to maintain heart health.

Since PCAD is increasingly common in younger people, the study highlights the need for better awareness, early detection, and management of these risk factors to prevent serious heart conditions.