EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE CORONARY CARE UNIT

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the risk factors for acute myocardial infarction in patients attending Shkodra regional hospital. There were 168 admissions during the study period. (77%) were males and (23%) females, giving a male to female ratio of 3.1:1. The mean age of patients was 60.2 (SD 10.2) years (range 35?93 years). Risk factors: Smoking, diabetes, hypertension and history of coronary heart disease were the most common cardiovascular risk factors in the sample studied. More than half (53%) of patients were reported to be current smokers and 15% were ex-smokers. Almost half of patients (51%) were identified as having diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2 unspecified). History of hypertension and coronary heart disease were reported in 36% and 23% of patients respectively. Dyslipidaemia and history of cerebrovascular accidents as risk factors were reported in 9.6% of patients. Prevention strategies should be implemented in order to improve the long-term prognosis and decrease overall morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease in patients.