Professor Dr. Vo Thanh Nhan, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Interventional Cardiology Association, stated that acute myocardial infarction previously occurred mainly in older individuals due to the silent progression of atherosclerotic plaques with age. Currently, the condition is increasingly prevalent among young people, leading to a greater treatment burden and an increased risk of early mortality.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health reports approximately 200,000 annual deaths from cardiovascular disease, accounting for 25% of total fatalities. Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City recorded nearly 7,000 cases of acute myocardial infarction in 2025, an increase of almost 50% compared to the previous year. Among these, the proportion of young individuals under 45 years old accounted for nearly 8%, a rise of over 45% from 2024.

Doctor Duong Toa Ngoc Tram, from the Interventional Cardiology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, cited research indicating that the most common risk factors for myocardial infarction in the 17-45 age group are smoking (approximately 57%), dyslipidemia (around 52%), and hypertension (50%). Other contributing factors include chronic stress, overwork, sleep deprivation, unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, substance abuse, alcohol consumption, environmental pollution, and genetic factors.

According to Professor Nhan, excessive work and life pressures in young people can increase the secretion of certain vasoconstrictive hormones, elevating heart rate and blood pressure. Prolonged sleep deprivation makes it difficult for the body to control glucose, increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Consuming too much fast food and sugary drinks can raise levels of bad cholesterol, such as LDL-cholesterol, promoting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques within blood vessels.

"Many young people believe they are healthy, unaware that vascular damage is accumulating daily," said Professor Nhan, adding that by the time severe chest pain occurs, the condition is already in a dangerous stage.

Professor Nhan (right) and his team placing a stent for a patient. Photo: Hospital provided

Professor Nhan (right) and his team placing a stent for a patient. Photo: Hospital provided

For instance, Khanh, 29, experienced sudden dizziness and momentary loss of consciousness two years ago after a late-night shower. Doctors diagnosed acute myocardial infarction due to an anterior interventricular artery blockage and performed a stent placement. Recently, Khanh experienced persistent dull chest pain for half an hour, which spread to his back and both arms. He was admitted to Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City for emergency care. Doctors determined he had restenosis within the stent, requiring urgent intervention to restore blood flow to the heart. This was the youngest patient with recurrent acute myocardial infarction the hospital had treated, according to Professor Nhan. Khanh stated that due to work pressure, he frequently stayed up late, ate irregularly, and did not exercise.

Vu, 31, had untreated hypertension and had smoked for many years due to work pressure. Upon hospital admission with severe chest pain, doctors determined he had acute myocardial infarction due to a completely blocked right coronary artery, accompanied by multiple thrombi. After thrombectomy and right coronary artery stent placement, he was discharged with advice from doctors to quit smoking, change his lifestyle, and adhere to long-term treatment.

Doctor Duong Toa Ngoc Tram examining Khanh before his discharge. Photo: Ngoc Chau

Doctor Duong Toa Ngoc Tram examining Khanh before his discharge. Photo: Ngoc Chau

Doctor Huynh Van Muoi Mot, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the increasing incidence of acute myocardial infarction in young people under 45 is linked to prolonged unbalanced lifestyles. The biggest challenge in treating myocardial infarction in young individuals is that patients often underestimate their cardiovascular risk, mistakenly attributing chest pain symptoms to digestive, respiratory issues, or stress, rather than cardiac causes. This delay hinders timely emergency care. Consequently, while young patients have a lower mortality rate compared to older adults, they face a higher risk of recurrence, severe complications, and long-term health issues.

To prevent the condition, doctors advise young people to get sufficient sleep, maintain a balanced diet and scientific lifestyle, avoid alcohol and substance abuse, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight. They should exercise for 30 minutes daily or a minimum of 150 minutes weekly and effectively manage underlying conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.

Ngoc Chau

*Patient names have been changed