Data on the epidemiology of myocardial infarction (MI) risk factors in Saudi Arabia are limited, particularly in relation to age at MI onset. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of MI risk factors, as well as MI presentation in the central region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between – to – 2019 in a sample of 103 patients with MI. A self-administered and structured questionnaire assessing the participants’ baseline characteristics and MI-related risk factors and symptoms was employed. The analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. There were 55 (53.4%) male participants and 48 (46.6%) female participants. Their age ranged 16 to 86 years, with a mean age of 55.5±14.8 years. Seventy-one (68.9%) patients were above 45 years of age. The most common risk factors for MI were hypertension (58.2%), diabetes mellitus (59.2%), obesity (45.6%), physical inactivity (36.9%), smoking (36.9%), and hypercholesteremia (33.0%). Patients aged above 45 years of age were more likely to report an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesteremia (all P <0.05). the most common reported MI region was inferior wall MI. MI risk is high among young Saudi adults. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholestermia were significantly more common in older patients with MI. addressing the modifiable risk factors for MI is vital to early prevention of MI. Keywords: myocardial infarction, risk factors, age, Saudi Arabia DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/69-11 Publication date: December 31st 201
