Changing trend in the incidence of myocardial infarction among medical admissions in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study aimed at reviewing cases of myocardial infarction managed between January 2006 and June 2009.

Materials and methods: Records of all patients managed for acute MI during the period were studied. Diagnosis was based on presence of ischemic type of chest discomfort, serial electrocardiographic (ECG) changes compatible with MI, a rise in troponin I level and echocardiographic abnormalities.

Results: Fourteen patients consisting of 13 (92.9%) males and 1 (7.1%) female had MI. They were all Nigerians, their ages ranged from 40 to 82 years with a mean of 55.6±12.7 years; and 85.7% of them belonged to social class 1. MI accounted for 0.21% of the total 6647 admissions during the period. Present hospital incidence (0.21%) is significantly higher (Chi2=6.8, p=0.01) than previously reported incidence of 0.075%. Twelve patients had systemic hypertension, 8 had high body mass index, 6 had dyslipidaemia, 5 smoked cigarette and 2 had diabetes mellitus. Three patients died giving a case fatality rate of 21.4% and another 3 developed chronic left ventricular systolic failure.

Conclusion: Incidence of MI is increasing among hospital admissions in Ilorin and there is an urgent need for community interventions targeted at early detection and treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and obesity. Campaigns against cigarette smoking should be sustained.