Sex Related Assessment and Differentiation of Atherogenic Risk Factors.

Aims: Atherosclerosis is latent precursor of clinical cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to assess modifiable and non-modifiable atherogenic risk factors in both sexes. Study Design: Cross sectional design. Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted at Exservicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, Punjab, India from June, 2013 to Oct, 2013. Methodology: This study was undertaken to assess age, education, employment, socioeconomic status, physical activity, body mass index, dietary habits, family history, sleep, stress, dysglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia as determinants of atherogenic risk factors. The level of significance was defined by P<.05 with Chi Square test. Results: All patients (N=351) were divided into male (49.58%) and female (50.42%) cohorts. A statistically significant males (45.41%; P<.001) were found >65 years old and females (43.51%; P<.001) in 51-65 years. Males had significant higher literacy (55.19%; P<.001) and employment status (55.75%; P<.001). Females were reported with significant positive family history (40.12%; P<.01), stress (25.99%), sleep inadequacy (28.82%; P<.001), sedentary lifestyle (83.62%; P<.001), and vegetarianism (74.02%; P<.01). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in females (19.78%) than males (14.95%). The higher prevalence of hypertension (females: 49.16%; males: 48.28%), obesity (females: 23.72%; males: 17.24%), dysglycaemia (females: 25.99%; males: 22.42%) was recorded in females; and dyslipidemia (males: 29.32%, females: 23.17%) in males. Conclusion: Females were reported with significantly higher frequencies of atherogenic risk factors which make them highly susceptible to cardiovascular events than males. Hence, sex should be considered to assess and differentiate atherogenic risk factors, and when health professionals recommend lifestyle modifications.

Prevalence and Effects of Various Risk Factors Influencing the Blood Pressure Values.

Aim: Hypertension is major cardiovascular risk factor contributing to all cause mortality. The present study was aimed to determine the impact of socio-demographic variables and risk factors on the blood pressures (BP) of the subjects. Place and Duration of the Study: A cross sectional study was conducted at Ex- Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, India from June to Oct, 2013. Methodology: All retired defense personnel and their family members (N= 351) who attended polyclinic during study period were recruited to assess physical activity, body mass index, dietary habits, alcohol, family history, sleep, stress, over the counter (OTC) medications, employment status, and education as determinants of BP. The results were analyzed by Chi Square test with statistically significance of P value <0.05. Results: The frequency of high BP as per JNC VII guidelines was observed as 47.90% with higher range in females (51.19%) than males (48.80%). The frequency significantly increased with age >50years (88.08%; P<0.001), unemployment status (76.19%; P<0.05) and low education levels (37.50%; P<0.05). An association of high BP with inadequate sleep (35.11%; P<0.05), sedentary lifestyle (63.69%), alcohol (26.78%), positive family history (36.30%), stress (20.83%), non-vegetarian dietary habits (44.64%), increased BMI (67.26%; P<0.05) and OTC medications misuse (15.47%) was found. Half of the subjects were diagnosed with high BP for more than five years (49.40%), two-third had controlled (67.26%) and compliant (69.64%) status, and more than two-third had awareness about their diagnosis of high BP (83.60%). The uncontrolled status, non-compliance towards treatment, and low awareness level regarding high blood pressure values was found among 32.73%, 30.35% and 08.19% of subjects, respectively. Conclusion: This rising frequency of high BP and its associated factors must be monitored, treated and controlled by appropriate preventive and therapeutic approaches including lifestyle modifications, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, weight loss and maintenance, physical activity, stress management and pharmacotherapy.

A case report: Unsafe abortion.

Unsafe Abortion constitutes a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It is randomly practiced though exact statistics is not available due to lack of cooperation from concerned parties. Complications occur in a large portion of these cases which ultimately require tertiary care. This case report of complications associated with an unsafe abortion highlights the need for raising the awareness among women and healthcare providers regarding education on contraception and availability of safe and legal abortions with better access to abortion and post abortion services.