A cross-sectional analysis of lifestyle behaviors in myocardial infarction survivors: Where do we go from here?

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Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most severe form of coronary heart disease and the prevalence is increasing in the aging society. The aim of this study was to describe lifestyle behaviors in MI survivors compared to those without a history of MI.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of adults aged greater than 45 from the 2017 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System was performed in February 2020. Weighted analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression.

Results: The prevalence of MI survivors was 4.26% (CI 4.15-4.38) (n=443,915) with a higher proportion of males with MI (61.58%; CI 60.25–62.9) compared to females (38.42%; CI 37.1–39.75). Comparing survivors to individuals with no MI history, differences were identified in male current smokers (ARR 1.27; CI 1.18–1.37), female current smokers (ARR 1.62; CI 1.45–1.82), smoking quit attempt (ARR 0.83; CI 0.76–0.92), physical inactivity (ARR 1.25; CI 1.2–1.3), binge drinking (ARR 0.73; CI 0.65–0.82), and heavy drinking (ARR 0.66; CI 0.56–0.78).

Conclusions: MI survivors were statistically more likely to be current smokers and/or physically inactive while being less likely to binge or heavily drink alcohol. Interventions, particularly in physician communication and community actions should focus on decreasing cigarette use and increasing physical activity in MI survivors while investing less time and money in alcohol abuse.

Author Biographies

Benjamin Greiner, University of Texas Medical Branch

Department of Internal Medicine

Abraham Lee, University of Texas Medical Branch

Department of Internal Medicine

Micah Hartwell, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

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Published

2020-12-07

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Section

Public Health