Study of young patients with myocardial infarction: Design and rationale of the YOUNG-MI Registry

Global Burden of Ischemic Heart Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults, 1990-2019

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have evaluated the global burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs).

METHODS

Age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence (ASIR), mortality (ASMR) and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) (ASDR) were used to describe the burden of IHD in AYAs. Estimated Annual Percentage Changes (EAPCs) of ASRs were used to describe the trend from 1990 to 2019. Risk factors were calculated by population attributable fractions (PAFs). Analyses were conducted in 2023.

RESULTS

In 2019, the ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of IHD in AYAs were 26.81 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 20.36-34.54) per 100,000, 7.15 (95% UI: 6.56-7.87) per 100,000 and 409.51 (95% UI: 376.57-449.59) per 100,000. The ASIR and ASMR were higher among men than among women. From 1990 to 2019, the ASIR increased (EAPC=0.18%, 95% CI 0.14%-0.22%), while the ASMR (EAPC=-0.39%, -0.50% to -0.27%) and ASDR (EAPC=-0.40%, -0.52% to -0.29%) decreased. The largest increase in ASIR was observed in countries with a middle sociodemographic index (SDI) (EAPC=0.56%, 0.51%-0.60%). Globally, the proportional contribution of risk factors for DALY varied across regions, with the highest proportions of high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in high SDI regions (PAF=74.26%) and high-middle (PAF=71.30%) and the highest proportions of air pollution in low (PAF=41.79%) and low-middle SDI regions (PAF=40.90%).

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of IHD in AYAs remains high globally, and varies by age, sex, (male/female), region, and country. Targeted measures are needed to address the rising burden of IHD in AYAs, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and reduction in disparities.

Donor Age More Than 20 Years Greater Than Recipient Age Is Associated With Worse 5 Year Survival in Young Adult Heart Transplantation

Prior studies indicate donor age-recipient age (DA-RA) difference may be of prognostic value in adolescents, although not adults. We aim to analyze the relationship between DA-RA difference and long-term survival of young adult heart transplantation (HTx) recipients. First-time, single-organ HTx recipients aged 18-30 who underwent HTx between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry. Four cohorts were created based on DA-RA difference. The primary outcome was 5 year post-HTx survival. Secondary outcome was post-HTx complications. One thousand eight hundred three donor-recipient pairs were divided into four groups: DA-RA < 0, 0 ≤ DA-RA < 10, 10 ≤ DA-RA < 20, and DA-RA ≥ 20 with 682 (37.8%), 651 (36.1%), 356 (19.7%), 114 (6.3%) pairs in each cohort, respectively. The estimated 5 year survival of the DA-RA ≥ 20 cohort was 66.5% compared to the other three groups at ~75%. After adjustment, DA-RA ≥ 20 was independently associated with worse survival compared to DA-RA < 0 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.27; log-rank p = 0.008). There was no significant difference in complication incidence across cohorts. Among young adults, accepting a donor heart more than 20 years older than the recipient was associated with worse 5 year survival. We did not detect a significant difference up to 20 years. This information may help guide appropriate donor selection in the young adult population.

Epidemiological profile and clinical outcomes of very young (<35 years) and young (35-50 years) patients with STEMI: Insights from the NORIN STEMI registry

BACKGROUND

Despite significant progress in primary prevention, rates of myocardial infarction (MI) in South Asian population is alarmingly high.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare risk factor profiles and outcomes between individuals with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in young (<50 years) and old (≥50 years) age groups.

METHODS

North India STEMI Registry (NORIN-STEMI) is a prospective observational registry of patients hospitalised with STEMI. We conducted a study of young patients (<50 years) regarding their risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), in-hospital and 30-day mortality and compared with their older counterpart.

RESULTS

Among 5335 patients enrolled, 1752 (32.8%) were young and were 19 years younger than the older cohort. Major risk factors in young patients were physical inactivity (75.1%) and alcohol intake (67.8%). Higher prevalence of tobacco use (66.6% vs 52.4%), but lower prevalence of diabetes (16% vs 26.3%) and hypertension (18.5% vs 29.9%) were seen in young STEMI. Young patients were less likely to die both in-hospital (5.9% vs 10.0%) and at 30-days (11.1% vs 16.2%). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 30% at admission [OR: 8.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.60-13.90, P < 0.001 in-hospital, OR: 3.92, 95% CI: 2.69-5.73 at 30-days] and female sex were strongest predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Young STEMI patients constituted one-third of total cohort. Most of them were tobacco consumers with lesser prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. They were less likely to die both in-hospital and at 30 days because of earlier presentation to a health care facility and hence a relatively preserved LVEF.

The use of coronary artery calcium scoring in young adults

Although overall atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) incidence has been declining in the United States, there is evidence that the incidence of ASCVD events in young adults is increasing. The early initiation of preventive therapies could result in a greater number of life-years saved, and therefore determining the appropriate way to identify high-risk young adults is becoming increasingly important. The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, an established marker of coronary artery atherosclerosis, can improve discrimination for ASCVD risk beyond established risk prediction tools. Based on abundant evidence, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines currently recommend an approach of using CAC scores as a tool for risk assessment and decision-making regarding drug therapy for primary prevention in middle-aged individuals. However, CAC scoring is not recommended for universal screening in young adults, where its yield and utility for altering clinical decisions are limited. Recent studies have demonstrated the nonnegligible prevalence of CAC and its strong association with ASCVD in young adults, suggesting its potential to reclassify risk and improve selection of young adults most likely to benefit from early preventive therapies. Although convincing clinical trials have not been performed in this population yet, CAC scores should be used selectively in young adults whose ASCVD risk may be sufficiently high to warrant a CAC score assessment. This review summarizes the evidence available regarding CAC scoring in young adults, and discusses an appropriate future role of CAC scores in preventing ASCVD in this population.

Prevention and treatment of premature ischaemic heart disease with European Society of Cardiology Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the changes in the European Society Cardiology/European Atherosclerotic Society (ESC/EAS) guidelines improved the identification for primary prevention therapy in young adults at risk of a premature myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Patients admitted for a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the ePARIS registry (n=2757) between 2010 and 2018 were classified by age: <55, 55-65 and >65 years old. Using Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation 2, we evaluated whether patients would have been detected and treated with primary prevention statins before their first STEMI based on the 2021 EAS/ESC guidelines versus 2019 and 2016 guidelines. Eligibility for intensive proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9i) in secondary prevention was also assessed.

RESULTS

Following 2021 ESC guidelines, 62.5% of individuals aged <55 years old would have been eligible for statins before their first STEMI, similarly to older age categories. In comparison, only 17% and 18% of young individuals would have been eligible for primary prevention statins prior to their first STEMI with 2016 and 2019 guidelines, compared with group 55-65 years (41% and 35%) and >65 years old (19% and 72%), p<0.01. After their first STEMI, 25% of patients <55 years would be eligible for PCSK9i, compared with 23.2% and 15% in patients aged 55-65 years and >65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2021 ESC guidelines allowed a much better detection of young individuals before their first STEMI than prior ESC guidelines. In secondary prevention, most of young individuals did not reach low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels recommended, but only one quarter would be eligible for PCSK9i.

Mortality and Heart Failure Hospitalization Among Young Adults With and Without Cardiogenic Shock After Acute Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVES

To investigate risk factors and outcomes of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS) in young patients with AMI.

BACKGROUND

AMI-CS is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Data regarding AMI-CS in younger individuals are limited.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients with type 1 AMI aged 18-50 years admitted to 2 large tertiary-care academic centers were included, and they were adjudicated as having cardiogenic shock (CS) by physician review of electronic medical records using the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions CS classification system. Outcomes included all-cause mortality (ACM), cardiovascular mortality (CVM) and 1-year hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). In addition to using the full population, matching was also used to define a comparator group in the non-CS cohort. Among 2097 patients (mean age 44 ± 5.1 years, 74% white, 19% female), AMI-CS was present in 148 (7%). Independent risk factors of AMI-CS included ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, left main disease, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, female sex, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes. Over median follow-up of 11.2 years, young patients with AMI-CS had a significantly higher risk of ACM (adjusted HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.68-4.81; P < 0.001), CVM (adjusted HR 4.01, 95% CI 2.17-7.71; P < 0.001), and 1-year HHF (adjusted HR 5.99, 95% CI 2.04-17.61; P = 0.001) compared with matched non-AMI-CS patients. Over the course of the study, there was an increase in the incidence of AMI-CS among young patients with MI as well as rising mortality rates for patients with both AMI-CS and non-AMI-CS.

CONCLUSIONS

Of young patients with AMI, 7% developed AMI-CS, which was associated with a significantly elevated risk of mortality and HHF.

Clinical characteristics and cardiovascular outcomes among young patients with acute myocardial infarction in Kerala, India: A secondary analysis of ACS QUIK trial

Background

Limited data exist on the risk profile and outcomes among young patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI) in low-and middle-income countries(LMICs). This study explored differences in the clinical characteristics, medical care, and outcomes of AMI in young adults in India with a subanalysis focusing on sex disparities amongst the young.

Methods

Using the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala trial database, we compared baseline characteristics, management, and outcomes amongst the young patients(≤50 years) and their older counterparts. The primary outcomes were the rates of in-hospital and 30-day composite of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE).

Results

Of the 21,374 adults enrolled, 4762(22%) were young, of which 614 (12.9%) were females. Young patients with AMI were more likely to be smokers(41.9% vs. 27.8%;P < 0.001) and undergo coronary angiography (66.3%vs.57.3%;P < 0.001) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)(57.5% vs. 47.0%;P < 0.001), compared to older patients. After adjustment for potential confounders, younger patients had a lower likelihood of in-hospital (RR = 0.49; 95%CI 0.40-0.61;P < 0.001) and 30-day MACE (RR = 0.54; 95%CI 0.46-0.64;P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis comparing young males and females revealed worse cardiovascular risk profile among young women except for smoking. In-hospital MACE(RR = 1.60; 95%CI, 1.0-2.45;P = 0.048) were higher for young women compared to men.

Conclusion

Young AMI patients had higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors, were more likely to receive reperfusion therapy, and had better short and intermediate outcomes, compared to older patients. Compared to young men with AMI, young women had worse cardiovascular risk profile, were less likely to be treated with diagnostic angiography or PCI and experienced higher in-hospital death and MACE.

Impact of risk factors related to metabolic syndrome on acute myocardial infarction in younger patients

Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in cardiovascular medicine, myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major cause of adverse outcomes in younger MI patients, i.e., those who are aged 55 years or younger. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors have not often been emphasized in the management of younger MI patients. However, plaque rupture or erosion, which is deeply related to cardiovascular risk factors, remains the most common etiology of MI even in younger patients. The global increase in the prevalence of obesity underscores the clinical importance of metabolic syndrome (MetS), i.e., obesity-associated cardiovascular risk factors, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and particularly hypertension, in younger people. The concept of "lifetime risk" of cardiovascular disease reinforces the need for prevention or treatment of MetS. This review focuses on the risk factors related to MetS and an overall understanding of recent profiles of younger MI patients. We hope that this review will aid in the primary prevention of MetS-related risk factors and the prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly MI, in younger patients.

Shortcomings on genetic testing of Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in India: Can we collaborate to establish Indian FH registry?

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant disorder that affects ∼1 in 250–500 individuals globally. The only prevalence study in India shows FH in 15% of patients with premature CAD in North Indians. There are only 6 genetic studies in India of the total mutations, 32% are LDLR mutations, 4% are ApoB, 2% are PCSK9 mutations and the mutational spectrum for 37% is unknown. This calls for widespread genetic screening which could help identify definite FH patients.

European Atherosclerosis Society-Familial Hypercholesterolemia Studies Collaboration (EAS- FHSC) has taken an initiative to develop a worldwide registry of FH. India is also a part of the collaboration and 3 groups from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are actively contributing to this registry. We believe this review might help to understand the Indian scenario of FH and investigators across India can contribute in managing FH in India and further help in the detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Not All Heart Attacks are Created Equal: Thinking Differently About Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Young

Cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among young individuals. Although myocardial infarctions have declined significantly in the general population, this decline has not been uniformly observed in younger cohorts. Young adults often have different risk factors, including a higher burden of tobacco use and substance abuse, and they are less likely to be treated with preventive therapies since they are often categorized as having low risk. This review examines the existing literature on myocardial infarction in young patients, with a focus on risk factors, therapeutic challenges, and opportunities for prevention.

Women who experience a myocardial infarction at a young age have worse outcomes compared with men: the Mass General Brigham YOUNG-MI registry

AIMS

There are sex differences in presentation, treatment, and outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) but less is known about these differences in a younger patient population. The objective of this study was to investigate sex differences among individuals who experience their first MI at a young age.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients presenting to two large academic medical centres with a Type 1 MI at ≤50 years of age between 2000 and 2016 were included. Cause of death was adjudicated using electronic health records and death certificates. In total, 2097 individuals (404 female, 19%) had an MI (mean age 44 ± 5.1 years, 73% white). Risk factor profiles were similar between men and women, although women were more likely to have diabetes (23.7% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.028). Women were less likely to undergo invasive coronary angiography (93.5% vs. 96.7%, P = 0.003) and coronary revascularization (82.1% vs. 92.6%, P < 0.001). Women were significantly more likely to have MI with non-obstructive coronary disease on angiography (10.2% vs. 4.2%, P < 0.001). They were less likely to be discharged with aspirin (92.2% vs. 95.0%, P = 0.027), beta-blockers (86.6% vs. 90.3%, P = 0.033), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers (53.4% vs. 63.7%, P < 0.001), and statins (82.4% vs. 88.4%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality; however, women who survived to hospital discharge experienced a higher all-cause mortality rate (adjusted HR = 1.63, P = 0.01; median follow-up 11.2 years) with no significant difference in cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR = 1.14, P = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Women who experienced their first MI under the age of 50 were less likely to undergo coronary revascularization or be treated with guideline-directed medical therapies. Women who survived hospitalization experienced similar cardiovascular mortality with significantly higher all-cause mortality than men. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these differences is warranted.

Association of inflammatory disease and long-term outcomes among young adults with myocardial infarction: the Mass General Brigham YOUNG-MI Registry

AIMS

Autoimmune systemic inflammatory diseases (SIDs) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, particularly myocardial infarction (MI). However, there are limited data on the prevalence and effects of SID among adults who experience an MI at a young age. We sought to determine the prevalence and prognostic implications of SID among adults who experienced an MI at a young age.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The YOUNG-MI registry is a retrospective cohort study from two large academic centres, which includes patients who experienced a first MI at 50 years of age or younger. SID was ascertained through physician review of the electronic medical record (EMR). Incidence of death was ascertained through the EMR and national databases. The cohort consisted of 2097 individuals, with 53 (2.5%) possessing a diagnosis of SID. Patients with SID were more likely to be female (36% vs. 19%, P = 0.004) and have hypertension (62% vs. 46%, P = 0.025). Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years, patients with SID experienced an higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with either the full cohort of non-SID patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.07-3.57), P = 0.030], or a matched cohort based on age, gender, and CV risk factors [HR = 2.68, 95% CI (1.18-6.07), P = 0.018].

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients who experienced a first MI at a young age, 2.5% had evidence of SID, and these individuals had higher rates of long-term all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that the presence of SID is associated with worse long-term survival after premature MI.

Cardiovascular Mortality After Type 1 and Type 2 Myocardial Infarction in Young Adults

BACKGROUND

Type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) and myocardial injury are associated with increased short-term mortality. However, data regarding long-term mortality are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared long-term mortality among young adults with type 1 MI, type 2 MI, or myocardial injury.

METHODS

Adults age 50 years or younger who presented with troponin >99th percentile or the International Classification of Diseases code for MI over a 17-year period were identified. All cases were adjudicated as type 1 MI, type 2 MI, or myocardial injury based on the Fourth Universal Definition of MI. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed for survival free from all-cause and cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 3,829 patients (median age 44 years; 30% women); 55% had type 1 MI, 32% had type 2 MI, and 13% had myocardial injury. Over a median follow-up of 10.2 years, mortality was highest for myocardial injury (45.6%), followed by type 2 MI (34.2%) and type 1 MI (12%) (p < 0.001). In an adjusted model, type 2 MI was associated with higher all-cause (hazard ratio: 1.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.2 to 2.7; p = 0.004) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 5.1; p = 0.003) compared with type 1 MI. Those with type 2 MI or myocardial injury were younger and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors but had more noncardiovascular comorbidities. They were significantly less likely to be prescribed cardiovascular medications at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Young patients who experience a type 2 MI have higher long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than those who experience type 1 MI, with nearly one-half of patients with myocardial injury and more than one-third of patients with type 2 MI dying within 10 years. These findings emphasize the need to provide more aggressive secondary prevention for patients who experience type 2 MI and myocardial injury.

Evaluation of Aspirin and Statin Therapy Use and Adherence in Patients With Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

IMPORTANCE

Studies on the use of and adherence to secondary prevention therapies in patients with premature and extremely premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare aspirin use, any statin use, high-intensity statin use, and statin adherence among patients with premature or extremely premature ASCVD compared with patients with nonpremature ASCVD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This multicenter cross-sectional study used the clinical and administrative data sets of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify adult patients with at least 1 primary care visit in the VA health care system between October 1, 2014, and September 30, 2015. The study cohort comprised patients with ASCVD (ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, or ischemic cerebrovascular disease) who were enrolled in the Veterans With Premature Atherosclerosis (VITAL) registry. Patients with missing data for date of birth or sex and those with limited life expectancy were excluded. Data were analyzed from November 1, 2019, to January 1, 2020.

EXPOSURES

Premature (the first ASCVD event occurred at age <55 years for men and age <65 years for women) vs nonpremature (the first ASCVD event occurred at age ≥55 years for men or age ≥65 years for women) ASCVD and extremely premature (the first ASCVD event occurred at age <40 years) vs nonpremature ASCVD.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcomes were aspirin use, any statin use, high-intensity statin use, and statin adherence (measured by proportion of days covered [PDC] ≥0.8).

RESULTS

Of the 1 248 158 patients identified, 135 703 (10.9%) had premature ASCVD (mean [SD] age, 49.6 [5.8] years; 116 739 men [86.0%]), 1 112 455 (89.1%) had nonpremature ASCVD (mean [SD] age, 69.6 [8.9] years; 1 104 318 men [99.3%]), and 7716 (0.6%) had extremely premature ASCVD (mean [SD] age, 34.2 [4.3] years; 6576 men [85.2%]). Patients with premature ASCVD vs those with nonpremature ASCVD had lower rates of aspirin use (96 468 [71.1%] vs 860 726 [77.4%]; P < .001) and any statin use (98 908 [72.9%] vs 894 931 [80.5%]; P < .001); had a statin PDC of 0.8 or higher (57 306 [57.9%] vs 644 357 [72.0%]; P < .001); and a higher rate of high-intensity statin use (49 354 [36.4%] vs 332 820 [29.9%]; P < .001). Similarly, patients with extremely premature ASCVD were less likely to use aspirin (odds ratio [OR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.26-0.29), any statin (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.24-0.27), or high-intensity statin (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.82) and to be statin adherent (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.41-0.47).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, patients with premature or extremely premature ASCVD appeared to be less likely to use aspirin or statins and to adhere to statin therapy. This finding warrants further investigation into premature ASCVD and initiatives, including clinician and patient education, to better understand and mitigate the disparities in medication use and adherence.

Diabetes Is Associated With Worse Long-term Outcomes in Young Adults After Myocardial Infarction: The Partners YOUNG-MI Registry

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the prevalence of diabetes and associated cardiovascular outcomes in a contemporary cohort of young individuals presenting with their first myocardial infarction (MI) at age ≤50 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed records of patients presenting with a first type 1 MI at age ≤50 years from 2000 to 2016. Diabetes was defined as a hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or a documented diagnosis of or treatment for diabetes. Vital status was ascertained for all patients, and cause of death was adjudicated.

RESULTS

Among 2,097 young patients who had a type 1 MI (mean age 44.0 ± 5.1 years, 19.3% female, 73% white), diabetes was present in 416 (20%), of whom 172 (41%) were receiving insulin. Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years (interquartile range 7.3-14.2 years), diabetes was associated with a higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.30; P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (2.68; P < 0.001). These associations persisted after adjusting for baseline covariates (all-cause mortality: 1.65; P = 0.008; cardiovascular mortality: 2.10; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes was present in 20% of patients who presented with their first MI at age ≤50 years and was associated with worse long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. These findings highlight the need for implementing more aggressive therapies aimed at preventing future adverse cardiovascular events in this population.

Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: What Have We Learned Recently?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In contrast to patients with non-premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), patients with premature ASCVD have not observed a similar decline in cardiovascular mortality and recurrent adverse events. We sought to review the underlying risk factors, potential gaps in medical management, associated outcomes, and tools for risk prognostication among patients with premature ASCVD.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., diabetes, familial hypercholesterolemia), non-traditional risk factors such as chronic inflammatory conditions, recreational drug use, genetics, and pregnancy-related complications play a key role in development and progression of premature ASCVD. Patients with premature ASCVD, and especially women, receive less optimal medical management as compared to their non-premature counterparts. There is an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among young adults. Hence, this population remains at an elevated risk for premature ASCVD and subsequent adverse cardiovascular events. Future studies evaluating different risk assessment tools and focusing on young patients across all three major domains of ASCVD are needed.

Association of Smoking Cessation and Survival Among Young Adults With Myocardial Infarction in the Partners YOUNG-MI Registry

IMPORTANCE

Despite significant progress in primary prevention, the rate of myocardial infarction (MI) continues to increase in young adults.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the prevalence of tobacco use and to examine the association of both smoking and smoking cessation with survival in a cohort of adults who experienced an initial MI at a young age.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Partners YOUNG-MI registry is a retrospective cohort study from 2 large academic centers in Boston, Massachusetts, that includes patients who experienced an initial MI at 50 years or younger. Smoking status at the time of presentation and at 1 year after MI was determined from electronic medical records. Participants were 2072 individuals who experienced an MI at 50 years or younger between January 2000 and April 2016. The dates of analysis were October to December 2019.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Deaths were ascertained from the Social Security Administration Death Master File, the Massachusetts Department of Vital Statistics, and the National Death Index. Cause of death was adjudicated independently by 2 cardiologists. Propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the association between smoking cessation and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 2072 individuals (median age, 45 years [interquartile range, 42-48 years]; 1669 [80.6%] men), 1088 (52.5%) were smokers at the time of their index hospitalization. Of these, 910 patients were further classified into either the cessation group (343 [37.7%]) or the persistent smoking group (567 [62.3%]) at 1 year after MI. Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years (interquartile range, 7.3-14.2 years), individuals who quit smoking had a statistically significantly lower rate of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.35; 95% CI, 0.19-0.63; P < .001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.79; P = .02). These values remained statistically significant after propensity score adjustment (HR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.16-0.56; P < .001] for all-cause mortality and 0.19 [95% CI, 0.06-0.56; P = .003] for cardiovascular mortality).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, approximately half of individuals who experienced an MI at 50 years or younger were active smokers. Among them, smoking cessation within 1 year after MI was associated with more than 50% lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Recovery of Left Ventricular Systolic Function and Clinical Outcomes in Young Adults With Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) recovery is associated with better long-term outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the association between long-term outcomes and EF recovery among young MI patients has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction among patients who experience their first MI at a young age and to compare outcomes between those who recovered their EF versus those who did not.

METHODS

The YOUNG-MI registry is a retrospective cohort study of patients who experienced an MI at ≤50 years of age. EF at the time of MI and within 180 days post-MI were determined from all available medical records. The primary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

There were 1,724 patients with baseline EF data: 503 (29%) had EF <50%, whereas 1,221 (71%) had a normal baseline EF. Patients with lower EF were more likely to have experienced ST-segment elevation MI, have higher troponin values, and have more severe angiographic coronary artery disease. Among patients with abnormal baseline EF, information on follow-up EF was available for 216, of whom 90 (42%) recovered their EF to ≥50%. Patients who experienced EF recovery had less severe angiographic disease, lower alcohol use, and a lower burden of comorbidities. Over a median follow-up of 11.1 years, EF recovery was associated with an ∼8-fold reduction in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.12; p = 0.001) and a ∼10-fold reduction in cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.10; p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-third of young patients presented with left ventricular dysfunction post-MI. Among them, EF recovery occurred in more than 40% and was independently associated with a substantial decrease in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Risk Factors, Clinical Features of the Course of Myocardial Infarction and Treatment of Young Patients Based on Two Hospital Registries

Aim. To identify specific risk factors and features of the course of myocardial infarction (MI) in young patients.

Material and methods. The study design is based on a comparison of observation data for patients of different ages from the Russian RECORD-3 registry (n=2359) and the registry of acute coronary syndrome of the Kemerovo city in 2015 (n=1343). The clinical and anamnestic portrait was determined, the frequency of hospital complications and the “hard” endpoints were evaluated.

Results. Young patients with myocardial infarction (MI) according to RECORD-3 are more often male smokers (p=0.001) with a heredity in cardiovascular pathology (p=0.034), who have an uncomplicated STEMI upon admission to the hospital, and are sent for coronary angiography with stenting (p=0.001), without prescribing statins in the primary and secondary prevention (p=0.050 and p=0.016, respectively). There were no differences with other age groups by endpoints a year later; during the current hospitalization, young patients less often died (p=0.001) or had a relapse of MI (p=0.011). Young patients with MI from Kemerovo were also mostly male smokers (p=0.001), who more often had a history of chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and lipid metabolism disorders (p=0.001), who admitted to the hospital with uncomplicated STEMI, actively undergoing thrombolytic therapy and endovascular diagnosis and treatment (p=0.001). However, it should be noted that these patients were less likely to receive aspirin (p=0.015), dual antiplatelet therapy (p=0.003), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (p=0.040) and statins (p=0.001). Moreover, in young patients with MI, deficiency of high density lipoproteins (p=0.005) was more often found in the absence of very high values of low density lipoproteins (p=0.001). Among the complications of inpatient treatment, it should be noted a tendency to bleeding (p=0.001). One year after referent MI a high proportion of repeated non-fatal MI (p=0.005) and deaths (p=0.001) were observed. A comparison of the registries showed that young patients from Kemerovo were more likely to have STEMI (p=0.032), they were more likely to have stenting (p=0.004), they were more often diagnosed with chronic renal and heart failure (p=0.001), and more often ACE inhibitors was prescribed (p=0.017), and MI during hospitalization was more often complicated by bleeding (p=0.003).

Conclusion. From 1.7 to 2.4% of all MI occurs in young patients. The most frequent version of the debut is STEMI. The leading factors of cardiovascular risk in such patients are the male gender, active smoking, a hereditary history of cardiovascular diseases, low cholesterol of high density lipoproteins with insufficient statins prevention. In young patients of the Kemerovo registry, chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease were more often observed, and ACE inhibitors were prescribed, hospitalization was often accompanied by bleeding. In a young age differences in the frequency and structure of outcomes in one year after referent MI were not found when comparing registries.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Very Young Adults Who Experience Myocardial Infarction: The Partners YOUNG-MI Registry

BACKGROUND

Despite significant progress in primary prevention, the rate of myocardial infarction has not decreased in young adults. We sought to compare the risk factor profiles and outcomes between individuals who experienced a first myocardial infarction at a very young (≤40 years) and a young (age 41-50 years) age.

METHODS

We evaluated all patients ≤50 years of age admitted with a Type 1 myocardial infarction to 2 large academic hospitals from 2000 to 2016. Risk factors were determined by review of electronic medical records. The primary outcomes of interest were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

Among 2097 consecutive young patients with myocardial infarction, 431 (20.5%) were ≤40 years of age. When compared with their older counterparts, very young patients had similar risk profiles, with the exception of greater substance abuse (17.9% vs 9.3%, P < .001) and less hypertension (37.9% vs 50.9%, P < .001). Spontaneous coronary artery dissection was more prevalent in very young patients (3.1% vs 1.1%, P = .003). Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years, very young myocardial infarction patients had a similar risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite being, on average, 10 years younger and having a lower prevalence of hypertension, very young myocardial infarction patients had similar 1-year and long-term outcomes when compared with those aged 41 to 50 years at the time of their index infarction. Our findings suggest the need for aggressive secondary prevention measures in very young patients who experience a myocardial infarction.

Design and rationale of the North Indian ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Registry: A prospective cohort study

ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Although remarkable progress has been made in the management of STEMI in high‐income countries, contemporary data to evaluate processes and outcomes of STEMI care in India is limited. The North Indian ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NORIN STEMI) registry is a prospective cohort study based at government funded and largely free of cost tertiary medical centers in New Delhi, India. These hospitals serve a large proportion of the patients with lower socioeconomic status presenting from multiple states in India, as many centers in these states lack adequate specialized cardiovascular care. The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of each institution and informed consent has been obtained from study participants. The NORIN STEMI registry aims to provide important insights regarding contemporary risk factors profiles, practice patterns, and prognosis in patients with STEMI in an underserved population in North India. These findings may identify opportunities to improve the outcomes of patients with STEMI in India.

Mean Platelet Volume Predicts Short-term Prognosis in Young Patients with St-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background: Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an uncommon diagnosis in patients less than 40 years of age. Over the last two decades, there is an increase in the frequency of cardiovascular events among young adults. However, at present there is only limited clinical data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of STEMI in young patients who were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Plaque erosion is the underlying pathological mechanism leading to STEMI in the vast majority of young adults. Thrombi that complicate superficial erosion seem more platelet-rich than the fibrinous clots precipitated by plaque rupture. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is recognized as a marker of the platelet activation process and may be a better indicator of short-term prognosis than the inflammatory markers in young patients with STEMI. Therefore, we aimed to investigate clinical and angiographic characteristics, risk factors and the independent value of MPV on predicting short-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in young adults with STEMI. Methods: A total of 349 patients aged 40 years or younger who underwent pPCI at our center between 2010–2015 with the diagnosis of STEMI were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 36.4 ± 3.6 years and 90% of them were men. Smoking was by far the most frequent cardiovascular risk factor. MACEs were observed in 23 patients (6.6%), and according to the multivariate regression analysis, Killip IIIIV (OR 7.52, 95% CI 1.25–45.24, p = 0.03), lower admission SBP (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–0.98, p <0.01) and increased MPV (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.05–2.67, p = 0.03) were found to be independently correlated with MACE in the study population. Conclusion: Our results indicate that MPV is an independent predictor of MACEs at the short-term follow-up in young patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI. Accordingly, we suggested that MPV, a marker of platelet activation, could play a significant role in predicting clinical evolution in young patients with STEMI.

The design and rationale of SAVE BC: The Study to Avoid CardioVascular Events in British Columbia

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is highly heritable, particularly when it occurs at a young age. The screening of individuals with premature ASCVD, although often recommended, is not routinely performed. Strategies to address this gap in care are essential. We designed the Study to Avoid CardioVascular Events in British Columbia (SAVE BC) as a prospective, observational study of individuals with a new diagnosis of very premature ASCVD (defined as age ≤ 50 years in males and age ≤ 55 years in females) and their first-degree relatives (FDRs) and spouses. FDRs and spouses will undergo screening for cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and subclinical ASCVD using a structured screening algorithm. All subjects will be followed longitudinally for ≥10 years. The overall goal of SAVE BC is to evaluate the yield of a structured screening program for identifying individuals at risk of premature ASCVD. The primary objectives of SAVE BC are to identify and follow index cases with very premature ASCVD and their FDRs and to determine the diagnostic yield of a structured screening program for these individuals. We will collect data on CV risk factors, medication use, CV events, and healthcare costs in these individuals. SAVE BC will provide insight regarding approaches to identify individuals at risk for premature ASCVD with implications for prevention and treatment in this population.

Do You Know How Young Your Heart Is?

We present the case of a 25 years old patient who was submitted to our unit with a first time acute coronary syndrome. Despite his young age he had multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Although the chest pain was atypical and the electrocardiogram on presentation had unspecific changes, repeated investigations established the diagnosis of anterolateral myocardial infarction. Per primam angioplasty with stent implantation in the proximal segment of left anterior descending artery was performed, with good clinical outcome. Awareness is the key in establishing the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in young patients.

Cocaine and Marijuana Use Among Young Adults With Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Substance abuse is increasingly prevalent among young adults, but data on cardiovascular outcomes remain limited.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of cocaine and marijuana use in adults with their first myocardial infarction (MI) at ≤50 years and to determine its association with long-term outcomes.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed records of patients presenting with a type 1 MI at ≤50 years at 2 academic hospitals from 2000 to 2016. Substance abuse was determined by review of records for either patient-reported substance abuse during the week before MI or substance detection on toxicology screen. Vital status was identified by the Social Security Administration's Death Master File. Cause of death was adjudicated using electronic health records and death certificates. Cox modeling was performed for survival free from all-cause and cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

A total of 2,097 patients had type 1 MI (mean age 44.0 ± 5.1 years, 19.3% female, 73% white), with median follow-up of 11.2 years (interquartile range: 7.3 to 14.2 years). Use of cocaine and/or marijuana was present in 224 (10.7%) patients; cocaine in 99 (4.7%) patients, and marijuana in 125 (6.0%). Individuals with substance use had significantly lower rates of diabetes (14.7% vs. 20.4%; p = 0.05) and hyperlipidemia (45.7% vs. 60.8%; p < 0.001), but they were significantly more likely to use tobacco (70.3% vs. 49.1%; p < 0.001). The use of cocaine and/or marijuana was associated with significantly higher cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 2.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.27 to 3.70; p = 0.005) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.35 to 2.97; p = 0.001) after adjusting for baseline covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Cocaine and/or marijuana use is present in 10% of patients with an MI at age ≤50 years and is associated with worse all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. These findings reinforce current recommendations for substance use screening among young adults with an MI, and they highlight the need for counseling to prevent future adverse events.

Cardiovascular Risk and Statin Eligibility of Young Adults After an MI: Partners YOUNG-MI Registry

BACKGROUND

Despite significant progress in primary prevention, the rate of MI has not declined in young adults.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate statin eligibility based on the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for treatment of blood cholesterol and 2016 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for statin use in primary prevention in a cohort of adults who experienced a first-time myocardial infarction (MI) at a young age.

METHODS

The YOUNG-MI registry is a retrospective cohort from 2 large academic centers, which includes patients who experienced an MI at age ≤50 years. Diagnosis of type 1 MI was adjudicated by study physicians. Pooled cohort risk equations were used to estimate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score based on data available prior to MI or at the time of presentation.

RESULTS

Of 1,685 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 210 (12.5%) were on statin therapy prior to MI and were excluded. Among the remaining 1,475 individuals, the median age was 45 years, there were 294 (20%) women, and 846 (57%) had ST-segment elevation MI. At least 1 cardiovascular risk factor was present in 1,225 (83%) patients. The median 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score of the cohort was 4.8% (interquartile range: 2.8% to 8.0%). Only 724 (49%) and 430 (29%) would have met criteria for statin eligibility per the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and 2016 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, respectively. This finding was even more pronounced in women, in whom 184 (63%) were not eligible for statins by either guideline, compared with 549 (46%) men (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of adults who present with an MI at a young age would not have met current guideline-based treatment thresholds for statin therapy prior to their MI. These findings highlight the need for better risk assessment tools among young adults.

Study of young patients with myocardial infarction: Design and rationale of the YOUNG-MI Registry

The YOUNG-MI registry is a retrospective study examining a cohort of young adults age ≤ 50 years with a first-time myocardial infarction. The study will use the robust electronic health records of 2 large academic medical centers, as well as detailed chart review of all patients, to generate high-quality longitudinal data regarding the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients who experience a myocardial infarction at a young age. Our findings will provide important insights regarding prevention, risk stratification, treatment, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease in this understudied population, as well as identify disparities which, if addressed, can lead to further improvement in patient outcomes.