A neglected subset of patients with ST-elevation MI but no traditional cardiovascular risk factors are nearly 50% more likely to die prematurely than STEMI patients deemed at high risk of a second event, Australian research reveals.

The difference in all-cause mortality was most pronounced among female STEMI patients with no cardiovascular risk factors, who were least likely to receive medication for secondary prevention, the large observational study showed.

Lead investigator Professor Gemma Figtree, from the University of Sydney, said the findings highlighted a role for GPs in pharmacological management of such patients on discharge from hospital.

“Consider them to be at high risk of early mortality and think about how you can [maximise] the early introduction of secondary prevention agents,” she said.