Hospital Practices and Research

An Overview of the Relationship between Early-Onset Myocardial Infarction and Family History

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Aydın Dursun 1
Mehmet Cem Başel 2
Hakan Güven 1
Nurullah Ay 3
Mustafa Boğan 4

1 Anesthesia Program, Vocational School, Mudanya University, Bursa, Turkey

2 Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Nursing Program, Mudanya University, Bursa/Turkey & Cardiology Department, VM Medical Park Hospital, Bursa/Türkiye

3 Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Nursing Program, Mudanya University, Bursa, Turkey

4 Emergency Department, School of Medicine, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey

https://doi.org/10.30491/hpr.2025.536963.1501
Abstract
Background: Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are major public health concerns, particularly in individuals with a family history of early-onset Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Objectives: The impact of family history on ACS and SCD risk remains underexplored.
Methods: This retrospective study included 689 patients diagnosed with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) who underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) between January 2011 and June 2015. Patients with a parental history of SCD due to Myocardial Infarction (MI) were identified (n = 29, 4.2%). Demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, and angiographic findings were evaluated.
Results: The median age at STEMI onset in patients with a parental history of SCD was 49 (41.5-52) years, 8.9 years younger than their parents’ age at SCD. Most patients were male (96%) and smokers (83%). Hyperlipidemia was present in 80%, although only 7% had been previously diagnosed. Multi-vessel disease was observed in 80%, and 28% required Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Two patients (7%) died due to cardiogenic shock.
Conclusion: Patients with a parental history of SCD develop STEMI at younger ages. Smoking and low HDL levels were key risk factors. Early screening and preventive measures, including smoking cessation and lipid control, were essential for high-risk individuals. Further studies are needed to explore genetic predisposition and targeted prevention strategies.

Keywords

Sudden Cardiac Death
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Family History
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
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