Left main coronary artery disease in adults younger than 50 years: A comparison with older patients

Abstract

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is a potentially lethal disease that can be effectively treated if it is recognized expeditiously. To determine whether clinical signs and symptoms vary with age, we examined data from 100 patients with angiographically significant LMCA disease (≥ ≥ 50% stenosis). The majority of patients had myocardial infarction (32%) or Braunwald class I unstable angina (46%). There were no differences in initial symptoms, electrocardiographic findings (normal or only nonspecific changes in 52% of patients), or left ventricular function (normal or only mildly impaired in 76% of patients) between younger patients (< 50 yr; n ‫؍‬ 29) and older patients (n ‫؍‬ 71). Severe atherosclerosis was common in both groups. Risk factor profiles were different, however, in that diabetes mellitus (10% vs. 34%; P ‫؍‬ 0.028) and hypertension (38% vs. 73%; P ‫؍‬ 0.002) were less common and tobacco use was more common (79% vs. 39%; P < 0.001) in younger patients. In summary, age influenced the risk factors associated with but not the clinical signs and symptoms of LMCAD.

Importância da troponina-I cardíaca nos portadores de obstrução no tronco da artéria coronária esquerda sem evento cardíaco prévio

“…However, STOUFFER et al [2], in a comparative study between old and young patients diagnosed as suffering from LCBO, demonstrated the presence of severe atheroma plaque in both groups and the age difference was not an isolated factor risk. Clemens VON BIRGELEN et al [14] in a clinical investigation using intracoronary ultrasound in LCBO patients over a 12-month follow-up period, showed a linear relation between the level of cholesterol, LDL fraction, and the annual increase in the atheroma plaque.…”

“…Left coronary branch obstruction (LCBO) is potentially a lethal disease however, it can be treated effectively if a precise diagnosis is made [2]. To determine the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac events such as unstable angina and AMI in patients suffering from LCBO with hemodynamic instability together with alterations in electrocardiograms is easy.…”

<![CDATA[<b>Importance of cardiac troponin-I in the preoperative period of patients without prior cardiac events but suffering from left coronary branch obstruction</b>]]>

“…Age is considered a risk factor for patients suffering from coronary artery insufficiency. However, STOUFFER et al [2], in a comparative study between old and young patients diagnosed as suffering from LCBO, demonstrated the presence of severe atheroma plaque in both groups and the age difference was not an isolated factor risk. Clemens VON BIRGELEN et al [14] in a clinical investigation using intracoronary ultrasound in LCBO patients over a 12-month follow-up period, showed a linear relation between the level of cholesterol, LDL fraction, and the annual increase in the atheroma plaque.…”