Risk factors associated with myocardial infarction among patients in Mulago hospital. The case of Uganda heart institute

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the factors associated with myocardial infarction at Mulago Heart Institute, Uganda. The study was based on data obtained from 615 patients who registered to the Heart Institute from January 2015 to December 2019. The Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with myocardial infarction. Patients above 64 years (OR=6.369, P-value = 0.001) had increased odds of myocardial infarction as compared to patients below 64 years. Female gender (OR= 0.325, P-value = 0.013) had a reduced odds of MI as compared to the male gender. Rural residence as compared to Urban residence (OR= 0.114, P-value = 0.001) had an increased odds of getting MI. For BMI Patients (Normal weight, OR = 0.531, P-value = 0.331) had a reduced odds of MI as compared to the Obese. High Blood pressure (OR = 8.124, P-value = 0.001) had increased odds to MI as compared to low blood pressure. Patients who were found to be hypertensive had high chances of getting MI as compared to those with normal blood pressure. Non-Diabetic patients (OR =0.080, P-value = 0.001) had low odds of getting MI as compared to patients who were diabetic. Bad Cholesterol levels (OR= 1.252, P-value = 0.519) had no significant effect on myocardial infarction. Patients who were found to be inactive in physical exercise (OR= 19.486, P-value = 0.001) had increased odds of getting myocardial infarction as compared to those who were active. Results from Tobacco use (OR= 0.487, P-value = 0.360) did not show any significant effect on MI, whereas heavy drinkers of alcohol (OR= 0.073, P-value = 0.016) had a significant effect on myocardial infarction. The study concluded that the factors to myocardial infarction are; old age, male gender, urban residence, high blood pressure, diabetes, physical exercise, body mass index and alcohol use. The study recommended urgent need to sensitise the general public especially the youth, those with low blood pressure, non-diabetic, non-alcohol/tobacco users not to change their lifestyle and on the importance of doing physical exercises as a way to reduce on myocardial infarction effects.