Risk Factors for Chronic Coronary Syndrome and Acute Coronary Syndrome among Patients Attending Karbala Cardiac Center

Abstract

Background:    Ischemic heart disease is a common cardiovascular disease that occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and heart failure. The two main types are chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Objective:    To evaluate the patients having CCS and ACS regard the prevalence of risk factors, symptoms, co-morbidities and other factors that may contribute to these differences between the patients.
Methods:    A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Karbala Cardiac Center in Iraq. Participants were 160 patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease (60 cases of CCS, 100 cases of ACS) between January and June 2023. 
Results:    ACS was twice as common as CCS (62.5% vs 37.5%). There was no significant age difference between groups. More males (67%) than women (23%) were suffered from CCS. ACS patients showed significant dyslipidemia (P = 0.002) with increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and more frequent medical treatment. Social factors such as retirement and low physical activity were more prevalent among ACS patients. CCS was associated with the emergence of chest pain, while shortness of breath was predominant in ACS.
Conclusion:    The levels of dyslipidemia, social factors, and symptom presentation varied significantly among the community groups. This result shows the need for individualized management strategies for such conditions.
Keywords:    Ischemic heart disease, chronic coronary syndrome, acute coronary syndrome
Citation:    Alkhattawi FR, Abutiheen AA, Al Ftailah HA, Alhaideri AQ. Risk factors for chronic coronary syndrome and acute coronary syndrome among patients attending Karbala Cardiac Center. Iraqi JMS. 2025; 23(2): 365-376. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.23.2.19