Incidence, Age-Specific, and Regional Distribution of Myocardial Infarction in Zanjan Province, Iran, during 2014-2019

Myocardial Infarction (MI) is one of the most important cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of 39% of deaths in Iran. Due to the different geographical diversity in Zanjan province, Iran, this study aimed to investigate the incidence, age-specific, and regional distribution of myocardial infarction in Zanjan province, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Zanjan, Iran, in 2020. Data were collected from nine hospital information systems. The incidence rate, age-specific, and regional distribution of MI were calculated for each county. Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and binary logistic regression methods were used to investigate significant relationships between variables. All statistical analyses were performed using RStudio and R software.

In total, 3,723 MI patients were hospitalized in ZUMS hospitals during 2014-2019. The overall incidence rate of MI was 348 cases (95% CI, 337-359) per 100,000 population. Moreover, the prevalence of this condition was higher in males compared to females and at age 80 and over. The incidence rates of MI increased by 84% from 49 cases (95% CI: 47-55) in 2014 to 90 cases (95% CI: 88-99) in 2019 (P<0001). Moreover, the highest incidence rate of MI was observed in Khorramdareh and Ijrood counties.

This study provided an overview of the current status of MI incidence in Zanjan province, Iran. The highest incidence of MI was observed in males and at the southeast of the studied area. This study can help health authorities and policymakers prioritize resource allocation and employ prevention programs to reduce the incidence rate of MI.