Search for a command to run...
Background: Cardiovascular disease is increasingly affecting young adults, largely driven by modifiable behavioral and metabolic risk factors. Early identification of determinants and gaps in awareness is essential to reduce premature morbidity and long-term cardiovascular burden. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 young adults aged 18–45 years with acute cardiovascular events at a tertiary care center. Data on demographics, metabolic and lifestyle risk factors, psychosocial stress, awareness, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square and independent t-tests assessed associations, while multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 37.4 ± 6.2 years, with 72.9% males. NSTEMI was the most common presentation (37.1%). Overweight or obesity was observed in 77.1%, dyslipidemia in 50%, hypertension in 44.3%, and smoking in 41.4%. High stress levels were reported in 38.6%, while 58.6% lacked adequate awareness of cardiovascular symptoms. Nearly 47.1% presented more than six hours after symptom onset. Independent predictors of MACE included smoking (AOR 3.1; p=0.002), obesity (AOR 2.8; p=0.006), dyslipidemia (AOR 2.6; p=0.004), high stress (AOR 2.4; p=0.01), and lack of awareness (AOR 3.4; p=0.001). Conclusion: Acute cardiovascular incidents in young adults are strongly associated with modifiable metabolic, behavioral, and psychosocial determinants. Early screening, lifestyle modification, stress management, and improved awareness are critical to reducing premature cardiovascular risk. Keywords: Young adults; Acute cardiovascular events; Smoking; Obesity; Dyslipidemia; Psychosocial stress; Awareness; Major adverse cardiovascular events