ABSTRACT
Despite impressive strides in diagnosis and management over the last three decades, coronary artery disease continues to be a major public health problem. We observed that the incidence of coronary artery disease is increasing among young patients [below 35 years of age]. To study the pattern of risk factors for CAD among young Egyptians. 50 patients under 35 years of age were included in the study. Another 50 healthy persons matched by age and sex were included in the study as a control group. Patients were selected from the CCU unit of the NHI. Full history taking, complete general and local examination of the heart was done, resting twelve leads ECG, clinical exercise testing, lipid profile, blood sugar, uric acid, liver and kidney function, echocardiography and thallium stress test was done to all patients. Also psychiatric assessment questionnaire was taken from them to determine the type of personality, exposure to stress and for determining the social, economic status and exposure to pollution. 50 patients under 35 years of age were included in the study, they were 40 males [80%] and 10 females [20%]. Their age ranged between 23 to 34 years with a mean of 29.67 +/- 4.86 years. 20 patients [40%] had ant. MI, 15 patients [30%] had inf. MI, 10 patients had extensive ant. MI and 5 patients had non-Q wave MI. The age of the controls ranged between 21 to 35 years with a mean of 28.5 +/- 5.45. 8 of them [16%] were diabetic, 12 [24%] were hypertensive, dyslipidemia was found in 24 [48%] of them, 14 [28%] were smokers and 14 [28%] had +ve family history for CAD. Type A personality was found in 37 patients [74%], 30 patients [60%] were exposed to psychosocial stress. 39 patients [78%] were living in polluted areas [near factories and in crowded areas]. Exposure to pollution, type of personality, and exposure to psychosocial stress was found to be the most prevalent risk factors for coronary artery disease among young Egyptians. So, attention should be paid to these risk factors especially pollution and extensive studies should be done to find out the role of pollution in CAD