Premature Coronary Artery Disease among Angiographically Proven Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease in North East of Peninsular Malaysia

Introduction: Coronary artery disease features among the top three causes of premature deaths in both men and women in Malaysia. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study are to determine the proportion of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), its angiographic findings and risk factors among patients with angiographically proven CAD in a tertiary center in Malaysia. Methods/Study Designs: This was a retrospective study involving three hundred and thirty five medical records of patients undergoing coronary angiogram from 2002 until 2004 were reviewed. The socio-demographic, associated risk factors and angiographic findings were recorded. Findings: The result of the study showed a total of 165 cases were diagnosed to have CAD based on coronary angiogram. The proportion of premature CAD was 55% (n=92). The risk factors associated with premature CAD were family history of heart disease (p<0.05) and low High Density Lipoprotein level (HDL) (p<0.05). There was a high prevalence of Premature CAD among angiographically proven CAD in this study. Family history of heart disease and low HDL level were associated with premature coronary artery disease. Conclusion: Early cardiovascular screening in family member of patient with heart disease is important for prevention of coronary artery disease in young adult.