Acute Myocardial Infarction in Young Patients and its Correlation with Obesity Status at Pre-adolescent Stage: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially acute myocardial infarction (AMI), remain a worldwide major cause of premature morbidity and mortality, with considerable health care costs. Metabolic, behavioural, environmental, and social risk factors are significant drivers of AMI, with obesity being a key determinant among them. Childhood obesity constitutes a major health threat that is considered a global epidemic of the 21st century. Objective: To assess whether excess weight from the first years of life acts as a predisposing factor in increasing the risk of AMI in young adults. Methods: This is a narrative review of the evidence concerning the epidemiology of early AMI and obesity, using PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: There is substantial evidence showing that excess weight during childhood multiplies the risk of AMI at an early age. Conclusion: Premature AMI seems to have significant drivers related to lifestyle factors, such as childhood obesity. In the era of a childhood obesity epidemic, the aforementioned relationship underlines the need for early prevention and management.