Current Status of Myocardial Infarction and Risk Factors for Associated Mortality in Iran: A Review

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are considered an important priority in health systems worldwide, including Iran. This study was conducted to determine the current status of myocardial infarction (MI) and risk factors for associated mortality in Iran in 2012. Methods: This study is a review article. The articles published between 2010 and the beginning of 2016 were included in the analysis. Initially, the keywords “Epidemiologic/myocardial infarction/ Mortality/analysis” [Mesh] AND “Epidemiologic/Risk Factor/ Iran” were selected in valid databases. Then, reliable databases were searched for relevant publications. Being relevant, containing viewpoints, and recommending statistical guidelines as well as approval of at least two of the three examiners of articles were determined as the inclusion criteria into the study. Results: Only one study at national scale has been recently conducted in Iran. The main findings of this study were: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the patients was 61.2 ± 13.4 years. The mean age at MI incidence was significantly lower in men (59.6 ± 13.3) compared to women 65 ± 12.6. The mean age at MI incidence was significantly different by place or the province of residence. MI incidence was clustering in six provinces (North Khorasan, Yazd, Kerman, Semnan, Golestan and Mazandaran). Female gender, smoking, low education and illiteracy, development of type 2 diabetes, ventricular tachycardia, ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, right bundle branch block, lack of thrombolytic therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and chest pain resistant to treatment are the most important determinants of death due to MI in Iran. In Iran, frequency of PCI use seems to be lower than other countries. Infrequent use of this treatment and less administration of thrombolytic drugs could explain higher mortality rate in Iran. Conclusion: This study sought to report the overall status of MI and associated risk factors in Iran. The findings of the present study could help to plan in health system, monitor, and improve the patients' healthcare.