CHANGES IN RISK FACTORS, MEDICAL CARE an‎d RATE OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTIONS IN BIRJAND (1994-2003)

INTRODUCTION: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in developing and underdeveloped countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the trend of AMI risk factors in the city of Birjand, Iran, between 1994 and 2003. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on the medical records of patients hospitalized due to AMI from 1994 to 2003 in Birjand hospitals. The medical records of the selected patients were summarized by two trained nurses. Information was obtained on the patients' age, sex, risk factors, medical history, cardiac enzyme levels and therapy. The data were analyzed with t-test and chi-square test at α=0.05 using SPSS. RESULTS: 918 patients were hospitalized for AMI between 1994 and 2003 in Birjand hospitals. In this study, 319 patients (34.7%) had no risk factors and others had at least one risk factor. The prevalence of all risk factors had increased, but the increase in the prevalence of dyslipidemia (18.2%, 30.1%, P<0.001) and smoking (18.2%, 23.5%, P=0.03) was statistically significant during ten years of the study. DISCUSSION: In light of evidence documenting the rising trend of cardiovascular risk factors, it is essential to develop appropriate interventional programs to prevent an imminent cardiovascular disease epidemic in the region.