Epidemiology and outcomes of myocardial infarction in young adults in Morocco

Abstract

Ischemic heart disease remains a major global health burden, with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) representing its most severe form. While incidence has declined in developed countries, concerning trends persist among young adults, particularly in low- and middle-income nations such as Morocco.This retrospective single-center study was conducted at Ibn Sina University Hospital, Morocco’s largest cardiology referral facility, to characterize the epidemiological profile, clinical features, management, and in-hospital outcomes of young STEMI patients. We included 62 consecutive patients aged ≤45 years admitted between January 2023 and December 2024, diagnosed according to ESC criteria. Data on demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, angiographic findings, treatment strategies, and complications were collected and analyzed. We found that young adults represented 10.2% of all STEMI admissions, with a mean age of 41.2±4.6 years and a strong male predominance (77.4%). Smoking was the most common risk factor. Typical chest pain was the main presenting symptom (90.3%). Coronary angiography revealed predominantly single-vessel disease (85.7%), most often involving the LAD (67.7%). These findings highlight the critical need for enhanced prevention strategies targeting modifiable risks in young populations and optimized care pathways to improve outcomes in the Moroccan healthcare context.