Abstract:
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), describes a spectrum of diseases ranging from unstable angina through non-Q wave myocardial infarction (MI) to Q wave myocardial infarction (MI). The medical records of 819 patients admitted to coronary care unit, KTH, Peshawar from June 2001 to December 2001 were examined. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of ACS and determine the associated risk factors. In a study period of seven months, out of 819 cases 357 patients with valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy were excluded and remaining 462 cases with a diagnosis of ACS were reviewed. ACS was further categorized as non-Q wave MI, unstable Angina pectoris and Acute MI. Under these categories the risk factors of ACS were analyzed with particular reference to the following variables, sex, age, socio-economic status (which could explain poor drug compliance), hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, current cigarette smoking and positive family history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Length of hospital stay and any death in the hospital was also noted. Out of 462 cases, 47% suffered from Q wave MI, 40% experienced unstable Angina pectoris and 14% had non-Q wave MI, ACS appears to be more common in males (65%) with mean age of 48 ± 6 years than females with mean age of 54 ± 8 years. Poor drug compliance of diseases such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus (individual or combined) and hyperlipidaemia appears to predispose to ACS. Ischaemic Heart Disease appears to cluster in families. Life style habits such as current cigarette smoking and low socio-economic status (associated with poor drug compliance) also appears to predispose to ACS.
Page(s):
118-123
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Medical Science, Volume: 11, Issue: 2, Year: 2003