The present study aimed at finding out the profile of patients with acute myocardial infarction into University Hospital at Ribeirão Preto, from May to November, 1994. Data were collected through interviews with the patients and analysis of the medical reports. The results were analysed according to the "Health Field Model" and were the following: a) human biology: 66,7% were men; 73,2% of them were from 50 to 80 years old; 55,5% were hypertensive; 24,4% with dyslipidemia; 20% had diabetes; 51,1% had a positive family history of hypertension, 26,6% of had infarction and 24,4% had cerebral stroke; b) socioeconomic characterization: 71,1% had a monthly income lower than 6 minimum salaries; 82,2% illiterate or with incomplete primary school; 47% were economically active and 68,8% were married; c) life style: 88,8% lived a sedentary life; 55,5% smoked and 55,4% referred to daily stress; d) attention to health: 68,8% were being treated in health services: 75,5% knew about their diagnostic and 62,2% asked about informations on physiopathology, prognostic and rehabilitation. The presence of 2 or 3 risk factors to cardiac diseases was verified in 62,2% of the patients. Regarding the model, authors found the presence of risk factors to infarction in its four elements.
myocardial infarct; "Health Field" Model; risk factors; life style