Study Warns of Heart Attack Crisis Among Young South Asians
A new study presented at the ACC Asia 2021 conference has shed light on the alarming trend of heart attacks among young South African individuals. The research, focusing on patients under 45 who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention between 2013 and 2019, revealed shocking statistics that warrant further attention and action.
The study, involving 165 patients, found that a staggering 90.3% were male. This is particularly concerning as South African men often serve as the sole breadwinners for their families. Additionally, the study highlighted the prevalence of multiple risk factors among these young patients. Obesity was present in 48.3% of cases, tobacco use in 45%, and a positive family history of Ischemic Heart Disease in 48.4%.
The research also delved into the presence of abnormal lipids, such as higher Lipoprotein-A and Apo B-100, which are common in South Africans. Another study presented at the same conference examined 23 young South African women who had heart attacks, with 53% having uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes and 50% being obese. This underscores the urgent need for further study and treatment of abnormal lipids in this population.
The study found that delayed hospital presentation and discharge were common, with 27.3% of patients experiencing delayed discharge of more than five days. This could potentially lead to increased mortality rates, as seen in six patients who did not survive the 30-day post-discharge period.
The findings of this study underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions to address heart health in young South Africans. This includes early detection and management of risk factors, particularly abnormal lipids, obesity, and tobacco use. Further research is also needed to understand the unique cardiovascular health profile of South Africans and develop tailored prevention strategies. The findings will be presented at the ACC Asia 2021 Together with SCS 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting Virtual from July 9-11, 2021.
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