RESUMEN
To compare the disease patterns in two data sets of patients, five years apart, at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases [NICVD], a tertiary care cardiac hospital in Karachi. The underlying objective was to determine any changes in cardiovascular disease patterns at an acute cardiac unit over a period of five years. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on patients admitted in West Ward, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases [NICVD], Karachi in September, 2000 and September, 2005. Patient's record files were reviewed and the relevant information was recorded on a pro forma designed for the purpose. In September, 2000, a total of 414 patients were admitted. Of these 71.25% were males. Majority of patients [72.92%] were in the fifth decade of life or beyond. Acute coronary syndrome [ACS] was the commonest presentation, present in 39.8% of the patients. 27.3% had myocardial infarction [MI] while 10.34% were diagnosed with heart muscle diseases. The overall mortality was 3.4%. In September, 2005, a total of 446 patients were admitted. Of these, 63% were males. 71 .29% were in the fifth, sixth, and seventh decades of Life. 43.04% patients were admitted with acute coronary syndromes [ACS], 26% with myocardial infarction [MI] and 13.45% with heart muscle diseases. The overall mortality was 1.34%.The almost similar results in two. data sets of patients five years apart suggests that the cardiovascular disease burden and pattern has not changed significantly at this center. There is a preponderance of cardiovascular illnesses in males and older age groups. ACS and MI account for majority of admissions