A study from a hospital in Northern California analyzed more than 1,300 patients who suffered heart attacks.
The results, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and reported by HealthDay, indicate that one group of patients differs clearly from the expected profile.
These patients were often younger and less likely to have classic risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity.
The median age was 52, which is lower than that of other patients, and they used methamphetamine.
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At the same time, there were more men than women in this group, although lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use were more prevalent, the study shows.
Different disease progression
Treatment for this group also differed. Fewer required procedures to open blocked blood vessels, suggesting a different type of impact on the heart, according to the researchers.
In addition, more patients were readmitted with new heart attacks. Around 42 percent experienced another heart attack, compared with 27 percent among other patients.
Mortality was also higher in this group, making the findings particularly concerning.
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One in six heart attacks
The results point to a shift in who is affected by heart disease. Experts believe that certain factors may significantly accelerate disease development.
Methamphetamine was linked to about 15 percent of all cases, corresponding to one in six heart attacks during the period.
Sources: HealthDay and the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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