- Research Article
- 10.21276/amit.2025.v12.i3.121
Emerging Trends of Myocardial Infarction in Young Indian Adults: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies, and the Role of Low-Dose Aspirin
- Sep 01, 2025
- Acta Medica International
- K Chandra Mouli Krishna + 1 more +1
Myocardial infarction (MI) at ≤45 years is rising in India and presents earlier than in Western populations. Non-atherosclerotic mechanisms coronary vasospasm, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), are proportionally common, increasing diagnostic complexity. This study undertook a narrative review (January 2000–January 2025) across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and trial registries, using dual screening and synthesis with India-focused weighting. Young-onset MI constitutes a notable share of acute coronary syndromes beyond metros; men predominate; women often present later and atypically. Risk clusters tobacco (smoked and smokeless), dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, central adiposity, hypertension, and physical inactivity are amplified by pollution, psychosocial stress, and poor sleep. Elevated lipoprotein(a) and under-recognised familial hypercholesterolaemia impart lifelong exposure. Mechanisms range from accelerated atherothrombosis to vasospasm/SCAD/MINOCA; OCT/IVUS and cardiac MRI refine attribution. Emphasise complete tobacco cessation; intensive lipid and blood-pressure control; diabetes care; physical activity and weight targets; and incorporation of South-Asian risk enhancers in risk assessment. Use coronary artery calcium (CAC) to reclassify borderline/intermediate risk when decisions are uncertain. Routine low-dose aspirin for primary prevention is not recommended; reserve for carefully selected adults after shared decision-making, and reassess bleeding risk within any polypill strategy. Systems: Strengthen registries; include women and rural populations; scale cardiac rehabilitation; and deliver India-specific trials (CAC-guided aspirin, Lp(a) pathways, and familial-hypercholesterolaemia screening). Young-onset MI in India is preventable and diagnosable earlier with timely, mechanism-guided pathways and context-fit prevention. Keywords: Young-onset myocardial infarction; India; Lipoprotein(a); MINOCA; Coronary artery calcium.
Read more