In order to evaluate whether a different method of preventive approach to ischemic cardiopathy is appropriate in relation to age, the distribution of some classic cardiovascular risk factors (cigarette smoke, cholesterol) and a stress-related risk factor (type of work) was studied in two groups of patients, aged respectively over and under 60, admitted to hospital for acute myocardial infarction. The most significant data were: blood cholesterol values less than 220 mg/ml, found mainly in older patients; a larger number of heavy smokers in the group of patients aged under 60; the majority of patients were employees. In the light of these results, the paper discussed the need for different forms of preventive intervention, both clinical and epidemiological, for Ischemic cardiopathy in relation to age.