Triggers of nonfatal myocardial infarction in Costa Rica: heavy physical exertion, sexual activity, and infection.
OBJECTIVE
There are no data for factors that could trigger myocardial infarction (MI) in the context of lifestyles in developing countries.


METHODS
Using a case-crossover design, we assessed the effect of heavy physical exertion, sexual activity, acute respiratory tract infections, and gastroenteritis as triggers for MI in 530 survivors of a first MI from Costa Rica.


RESULTS
Relative risks (RRs) for MI in the hour after heavy physical exertion and 2 hours after sexual activity were 4.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.73-6.54) and 5.47 (95% CI, 2.71-11.02). Risk for MI after heavy physical exertion was greater for patients with poor physical fitness or elevated underlying cardiovascular risk (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.06, tests of homogeneity). RRs for acute respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis were 1.48 (95% CI, 0.92-2.38) and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.95-1.69), respectively. Patients with three or more risk factors had an RR for MI for gastroenteritis of 2.08 (95% CI, 1.31-3.28).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm previous studies in developed countries showing that heavy physical exertion and sexual activity are potential triggers for MI, and their effect is modified by physical fitness and underlying cardiovascular risk. Additional studies that explore the biologic effects of gastroenteritis as triggers of MI are warranted.
Baylin
Ana
A
Department of Community Health, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA. ana_baylin@brown.edu
Hernandez-Diaz
Sonia
S
Siles
Xinia
X
Kabagambe
Edmond K
EK
Campos
Hannia
H
D000368:Aged; D003141:Communicable Diseases; D003364:Costa Rica / Q000453:epidemiology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012725:Sexual Behavior