Coronary risk profile study

ABSTRACT

Coronary risk profile screening was performed in 251 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina admitted to the Coronary Care Unit of Shaikh Zayed Hospital during a 15 month period. There were more males than females, 209 [83.3%] vs 42 [16.7%]. Moreover males began to suffer the disease at a younger age; 41.1% being under 50 years of age as compared to only 21.4% females. Sedentary life style [62.2%], HDL cholesterol less than 35mg/dI [58.7%], and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio more than 5 [59.7%], were the most common risk factors for both sexes. A large number of males gave the history of current smoking [56.9%] whereas only 2.3% of females were smokers. In women the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia [57.1%], hypertension [57%] and diabetes mellitus [38%] was higher compared with men [28%, 14.3% and 18.2%, respectively]. Family history of ischemic heart disease [IHD] was reported by 30.6% of patients. Hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia were found in 16.7% and 37% cases respectively. Eleven percent patients were free of the major risk factors reviewed. This study shows that hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are not the most common predisposing factors of IHD in our male patients. Instead low HDL-C, total cholesterol/HDL-C>5 and sedentary life style appear more important. Moreover, there is a high prevalence of smoking in our patients. These findings indicate the need for educating the public regarding the importance of regular exercise and a more effective antismoking campaign in Pakistan