Mortality after First Myocardial Infarction in Greek Patients: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Background Death associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) depends in part on the time since the myocardial infarction (MI) and modification of risk factors. Methods This observational, retrospective 4-year follow-up study consisted of 804 patients (628 men). The participants completed a questionnaire reporting diet, demographic factors, personal behavior (smoking, physical activity), anthropometry, prior medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes mellitus), and recent medication. Results During 48 months of follow-up, 12% of men and 15% of women died. Older age, longer duration of smoking, and frequency of exercise were significantly different between survivors and the deceased ( P = .014, P = .014, P = .001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed associations with years of smoking (odds ratio, OR: 1.10, P = .025), treatment with nitrates (OR: 4.81, P = .024), and increased frequency of exercise (OR: 0.42, P = .013), adjusting for age and gender. Conclusions We should emphasize cessation of smoking and increased physical activity in MI survivors. Antismoking programs should start at an early age.