Risk factors of acute coronary syndrome among patients admitted to cardiac care units at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip: Case- control study

Abstract

Background

Acute coronary syndrome represents a major global health issue. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors related to acute coronary syndrome among patients admitted to cardiac care units in governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

Methods

An analytical case-control study was conducted from February to September 2023, involving 300 participants (100 cases and 200 controls) selected by quota sampling from governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip. The data were collected using structured interviews and questionnaires. Reliability testing by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.87) and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.

Result

Among the participants, 78 % were male while 22 % were female. 30 % fell into the age group of 56–60 years, and 34 % received treatment at Al Shifa Medical Complex. The logistic regression analysis revealed several significant risk factors associated with acute coronary syndrome. These included lower income (OR = 2.32, 95 % CI: 1.36–3.94, p = 0.002) and family history of acute coronary syndrome (OR = 5.46, 95 % CI: 3.24–9.19, p < 0.001). smoking (OR = 4.38, 95 % CI: 2.62–7.34, p < 0.001). A history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and NSAID drug use is associated with acute coronary syndrome, overweight (OR = 2.86, 95 % CI: 1.58–5.19, p = 0.001), obesity (OR = 6.74, 95 % CI: 3.30–13.78, p < 0.001), higher waist-to-height ratio (OR = 3.75, 95 % CI: 1.62–8.66, p = 0.002), and waist-to-hip ratio (OR = 5.07, 95 % CI: 2.64–9.71, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights lower income and familial predisposition as critical acute coronary syndrome predictors in Gaza, alongside traditional risks like obesity and smoking. Implementing strategies to control these risk factors and improve preventive measures is crucial for reducing the incidence of acute coronary syndrome.