Long-Term Prognosis after ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Premature Coronary Artery Disease

Background: A significant percentage of younger patients with myocardial infarction have premature coronary artery disease (CAD). The aims of this study were to analyze all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs cardiovascular death, non-fatal reinfarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization) during eight-year follow-up in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and premature CAD. Method: We analyzed 2560 STEMI patients without previous CAD and without cardiogenic shock at admission who were treated with primary PCI. CAD was classified as premature in men aged <50 years and women <55 years. Results: Premature CAD was found in 630 (24.6%) patients. Patients with premature CAD have fewer comorbidities and better initial angiographic findings compared to patients without premature CAD. The incidence of non-fatal adverse ischemic events was similar to the incidence in older patients. Premature CAD was an independent predictor for lower mortality (HR 0.50 95%CI 0.28-0.91) and MACEs (HR 0.27 95%CI 0.15-0.47). In patients with premature CAD, EF < 40% was the only independent predictor of mortality (HR 5.59 95%CI 2.18-8.52) and MACEs (HR 4.18, 95%CI 1.98-8.13). Conclusions: Premature CAD was an independent predictor for lower mortality and MACEs. In patients with premature CAD, EF < 40% was an independent predictor of eight-year mortality and MACEs.