Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Unstable angina (UA) is a type of acute coronary syndrome. It has been recognized as a distinct syndrome intermediate between stable exertional angina and myocardial infarction. It includes many types according to the onset, duration, intensity and frequency of pain.
OBJECTIVE :
The objective of this study to estimate the frequency of risk factors of ischemic heart disease, influence of age and gender, also to predict the in-hospital outcome.
METHODS:
One hundred patients with unstable angina of all ages and both gender were enrolled in a cross-sectional study from October 2010 – June 2011 who were admitted to coronary care unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital / Medical City.
Descriptive analyses were performed to assess the relationship between unstable angina and risk factors and influence of age and gender and in-hospital outcome.
RESULTS:
This study showed a highest incidence of unstable angina among males and females in the age of 50-54years.Hypertension was the major risk factor (58%) while, smoking (48%), diabetes (38%), family history of ischemic heart disease (35%), hypercholesterolemia (34%) and obesity (22%).There were significant differences between both gender with unstable angina and the following risk factors: hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and obesity. There were 22% of patients with persistent chest pain who developed non- fatal acute myocardial infarction and 6% died in the hospital.
CONCLUSION:
The following risk factors; hypertension, smoking, diabetes, family history of ischemic heart disease, hypercholesterolemia and obesity play an important role in occurrence of unstable angina and prognosis. The incidence of UA was higher among ages of (50 -54) years of both gender. Persistence of chest pain at rest was greatly associated with unfavorable outcome.