Coronary angiographic findings in young patients with coronary artery disease

Background: 10% of coronary artery disease occurs among patients less than 45 years old with a significant impact to the patients and their families. Objectives: This study seeks to assess the coronary angiographic findings in patients less with age than 45 years old. Patients&Methods: This case-control study was carried out in the cardiology center in AL-Sader teaching hospital in AL-Najaf City, Iraq. Six hundred fifty seven consecutive patients with a history of coronary artery disease were enrolled in this study from January 2008 to December 2010. A young age group comprises 103 patients with age less than 45 years old [men=77 (75%), women=26 (25%)]. A second group comprises 101 patients with age more than 65 years [men=76 (75%), women=25 (25%)]. Comparison had been made between group 1 and 2 regarding the number of coronary vessels involvement and distribution of coronary artery disease vessels. Results: The normal coronary arteries and single vessel involvement were more common in the young patients and the left anterior descending artery was the most commonly involved vessel by occlusive lesions in the young patients (41,5%) while a three vessel disease was more common in the elderly patients (p value=0,0044). The smoking (48,5%) was the most prevalent risk factor in the young patients. There was a statistically significant association between the elderly group with the distribution of the coronary vessels involved by occlusive lesions particularly the left main stem (p value=0,003). Conclusion: Normal coronary arteries, single vessel disease, left anterior descending artery involvement and a history of smoking occurs more in young patients.