ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION RISK FACTORS IN AL-NAJAF CITY

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the condition of irreversible necrosis of the heart muscle that is a result of prolonged ischemia. After World War II coronary heart disease (CHD) assumed epidemic proportions in western countries; nowadays, myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Thus this study is conducted to establish a data base for the factors contributing the incidence of MI in Al-Najaf city. The aim was to assess the myocardial infarction risk factors and to find out the differences between the patient and control groups regarding their age, BMI, B. sugar, smoking, gender, and biochemical parameters. Materials and methods. A case-control study was carried out in Al-Najaf Health Directorate; Al-Sadder Medical City, and Al-Hakeem General Hospitals from December 20, 2012 to April 1, 2013. A non-probability (purposive sample) of 50 patients with acute myocardial infarction was selected as the patient group, and 50 healthy adults composed the control group. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, which consisted of two parts: (1) socio-demographic data form that contained 5 items; (2) anthropometric and laboratory tests form that contained 5 items. The data were described statistically and analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistical analysis procedures. Results. The study results showed that there was a significant difference between the patient and control groups regarding their age, BMI, blood sugar; smoking, gender, cholesterol; triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein. Exception was the family history for the study samples; the results showed that there was a non-significant difference between the patient and control groups. Conclusion and recommendations. Age and gender of patients are the common non-modifiable risk factors. While weight, blood sugar, smoking, lipid profile of patients are the common modifiable risk factors. The researchers recommend that further studies should involve more patients at the national level, which may make a massive change in health care services provided in order to decrease the effect of modifiable risk factors. Education programs for both health care members and community individuals should focus on decreasing the incidence of MI by reducing its modifiable risk factors.