The major etiology of MI is plaque disruption, i.e., plaque rupture and erosion in atherothrombotic coronary artery disease (CAD). The risk factors for plaque-based coronary events are shown in the pink area on the left. Obesity is the central risk factor for younger MI. The obesity-associated cardiovascular risk factors, i.e., dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance/diabetes and hypertension constitute metabolic syndrome (MetS). Smoking is an independent major risk factor for younger MI. Unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as sedentary habits and an excessively calorific diet with an inappropriate quality and selection of food, are risk factors for obesity and MetS and consequently for atherothrombotic CAD. Other etiologies and risk factors for MI in younger patients are shown in the light blue area on the right. Congenital cardiac anomalies, coronary artery dissection, and coronary artery spasm are the cardiogenic etiologies of younger MI. Recreational cocaine use, traumatic coronary artery events, myocarditis induced by viral infection and cancer-associated coronary embolism are also among the etiologies and risk factors for younger MI.
- Tomomi Hasebe
- Naoyuki Hasebe