Despite the global implementation of clinical algorithms designed to predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease based on traditional risk factors, the burden of this condition continues to rise. This is shown in a study by ACS researcher Nick Nurmohamed, in close collaboration with Mount Sinai.

The results are published in the European Heart Journal.

“The collaboration has allowed us to tap into a huge database with data of nearly 5 million people in the US with a first-time MI between 2017 and 2022,” says Nurmohamed.

By analyzing the data, the researchers show a gap in both the identification of symptoms and the use of preventive therapy prior to MI events.

Differences in age groups and gender

The study also found distinct differences between age groups and genders. Patients aged 60 years or younger, and men in particular, were less likely to have documented symptoms or risk factors, and less likely to visit a primary care physician.

Also, they were more likely to suffer from ST-elevation MI, a more severe form of the condition. In contrast, individuals over 60 years old and women were more frequently diagnosed with risk factors and symptoms, though they still faced issues with insufficient preventive care.

Better diagnostic tools and preventive care

The findings underscore a critical unmet need for better diagnostic tools. In addition, more proactive management strategies to identify patients at high risk for MI could ensure they receive appropriate preventive care.

“We want to develop better ways to find people at risk of a heart attack earlier—even if they don’t have any symptoms yet,” explains Nurmohamed.

“Think of advanced blood or imaging tests, for example. We have now developed the first prototypes of such approaches, and these new tests are now being studied to see if they really can save lives and save costs.”