How aware are the educators of cardiovascular risk factors?

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to know the frequency of CVD risk factors in teachers of Peshawar. Data for this study was derived from Peshawar Heart study [PHS]. PHS was conducted by Cardiology Department Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar to determine various cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, physical inactivity etc. in various occupational groups of Peshawar. Data of 174 school teachers recruited in Peshawar Heart Study [PHS] was analyzed for the frequency of CVD risk factors. Their mean age was 42.95 +/- 8.29 years. Mean BMI was 26.11 +/- 4.53 Kg/m[2] and 35.05% [n=61] were overweight and 47.07% [n=83] were found to be obese. Mean systolic blood pressure was 131.2 +/- 18.16 mmHg and 33.33% [n=58] had systolic blood of >/= 140 mmHg. Mean diastolic blood pressure was 89.25 +/- 12.13 mmHg and 59.77% [104] had their diastolic pressure >/= 90 mmHg and 5.75% [n=10] were known hypertensive. Mean cholesterol was 168 mg/dl while 20.68% [n=36] had cholesterol of >/=180mg /dl. Out of 174 school teachers 4% [n=7] were known diabetic and 6.32% [n=11] had RBS of >/=140 mg/dl. CAD was found in 3.44% [n=6]. Family history of CAD was positive in 18.96% [n=33]. Fifty eight percent subjects admitted to regular exercise. ECGs were also analyzed and it was found that 2.88% [n=5] were having LVH, 1.75% [n=3] were having right bundle branch block [RBBB] and 2.88% [n=5] have changes of previous myocardial infarction. It was demonstrated in this study that CVD risk factors especially lack of exercise, obesity and hypertension were common in school teachers