A retrospective study was carried out to examine the clinical history and coronarographic and ventriculographic aspects of a young group of patients aged under 40 affected by acute myocardial infarction. The study confirmed previously published findings with regard to the low rate of mortality, both in hospital and shortly after necrosis. On the other hand, non-fatal ischemic attacks were common in this population and were significantly correlated to the extension of coronary disease. Ischemic complications in this group of patients were mainly treated using coronary revascularisation (by-pass or PTCA), procedures which have been proved efficacious in preventing further ischemic events during the medium term. The results of the study indicate the need for a more aggressive approach, with the use of predischarge coronarography even in the absence of residual ischemia. This would not only serve to ascertain the degree of coronary disease or revascularisation, but above all would enable a prognosis to be given regarding the patient who, in psychological terms, should not be considered an invalid following acute ischemia.