Evaluation of acute coronary syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in women of reproductive age in Northwest Iran

Abstract

Objectives: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is rare in women of reproductive age; however with increase in risk factors of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in this age group, the possibility of ACS in young women is expected to rise and become a significant problem in future. It seems that pattern of risk factors and disease course may be different in this group. This study was conducted to determine the status of ACS in women of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study of women aged between 15-45 years who were admitted with ACS during the past five years from 21 March 2008 until 20 March 2013. The definition of ACS was designed to be compatible with current guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 17.0. Results: Women of reproductive age who were admitted with ACS diagnosis were 1.16% of all ACS cases. Significant number of patients (22 patients who are 42% of all patients) had atypical chest pain and 17 (32%) had unusual symptoms. Unstable Angina (UA) was the most common type of ACS.  Most of the patients had one or more CAD risk factors. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) was performed in 25(42%) of the female patients with documented ACS. In recent years, the prevalence of CAD has increased considerably in in this specific group. Conclusion: ACS is rare in women of reproductive age but may occur. The clinical presentation of the women of this study is compatible to other similar investigations.