Evaluation of Risk Factors of Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Patients From North India: A Rising Epidemic

Background: The incidence of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is on rising trend in low- and middle-income countries. Considering the limited reports, the current study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence, various predisposing factors, and coronary angiographic findings of PCAD in North India. Methods: Study design—hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient and inpatient units of a tertiary cardiac center in North India. Two hundred sequential patients (170 males and 30 females) with acute coronary syndrome were evaluated for history of risk factors, measurement of anthropometric parameters, biochemical blood examination, electrocardiogram, complete dental examination, and angiographic assessment of coronary artery lesion. Patients with acute infection or chronic inflammatory disorders were excluded. Patients were divided into PCAD (age ≤45 years) and mature CAD. Results: The prevalence of PCAD was 15% (N = 30). PCAD had higher rates of family history of CAD (P < 0.001), tobacco consumption (P = 0.01), smoking (P = 0.004), and single-vessel disease (SVD) (P < 0.001). Premature CAD group had significantly lower mean fasting blood glucose (105 ± 41 mg/dL vs 127 ± 45 mg/dL) levels. Conclusion: Family history of CAD, smoking, and tobacco consumption are important risk factors of PCAD. SVD is more common in PCAD. Screening the susceptible population at risk and controlling the cardiovascular risk factors will help reduce the epidemic and consequences of PCAD.