Risk Factors of Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly People: Results of Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Cohort Study (KERCADRS)

Introduction: Every day, hundreds of people in the world die due to cardiovascular diseases. The risk of heart disease in the elderly is manifold and most cases of myocardial infarction (MI) occur in the elderly. This cohort study was conducted with the aim of investigating the risk factors of MI in the elderly of Kerman, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cohort study was conducted on elderly people over 60 of age in Kerman city between 2012 and 2018. According to the file information, 629 eligible elderly people were selected. The data were gathered by questionnaires and clinical examination. The elderly was examined in terms of the risk factors of coronary artery disease and their effect on the incidence of myocardial infarction. Results: The mean age of the elderly was 65.5 +- 5.5 years. Physical inactivity. first-degree family history of heart disease, anxiety and chest pain were observed to be correlated with MI (P<0.05). 16.7% of people who had a first-degree family history of heart disease had an MI, while 7% of the elderly without a family history had an MI (P=0.04). Anxiety was also related to MI (P=0.04). Gender, smoking, periodontal diseases, DMFT, high blood pressure, intermittent claudication, and depression were not associated with MI. Conclusion: Family history of heart disease in first-degree relatives, physical inactivity, having chest pain, and anxiety had the greatest contribution to myocardial infarction in the elderly. Implementing fun and sports programs for the elderly may have a significant impact on reducing the risk of MI.