Common Risk Factors and Their Association with In-Hospital Outcomes in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Over 40 Years

Abstract

Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where timely reperfusion strategies are often limited. Understanding the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their association with adverse in-hospital outcomes is critical for improving patient care in resource-constrained settings. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of common cardiovascular risk factors and describe their relationship with in-hospital outcomes among patients aged over 40 years presenting with acute STEMI at a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Khulna Medical College Hospital, from June to November 2016. Fifty consecutive patients aged >40 years with confirmed acute STEMI were enrolled. Demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, and in-hospital complications were recorded using a structured case record form. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Results: Of the 50 patients, 80% were male and 80% had sedentary occupations. The most prevalent risk factors were hypertension (80%), smoking (54%), diabetes mellitus (46%), dyslipidemia (36%), and a family history of ischemic heart disease (32%). Overweight and obesity were observed in 24% and 16% of patients, respectively. Common in-hospital complications included heart failure (32%), arrhythmias (24%), cardiogenic shock (18%), post-myocardial infarction angina (12%), and death (14%). Conclusion: STEMI in this cohort predominantly affected males and was associated with a high burden of modifiable risk factors, particularly smoking, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, and diabetes.