Pattern of cardiovascular problems among Haj Pilgrims

To identify the cardiovascular problems of Haj pilgrims to help plan their health care needs. Prospective stud among Haj pilgrims admitted with medical problems. Department of Medicine, King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. Seven hundred fifty four foreign Haj pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for this purpose from abroad during the 1993 Haj season. Main outcome measures: Morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases among Haj pilgrims with diagnosis based on history, physical examination and investigations. Cardiovascular diseases were present in 462 [61%] of the 754 admitted Haj pilgrims and were the second only to respiratory diseases as the cause of morbidity. Ischaemic heart diseases [25%], hypertension [24%] and myocardial infarction [16%] were the common cardiovascular diseases. Myocardial infarction was the most common cause of mortality among Haj pilgrims. Most of these cases suffered from more than one cardiovascular or other medical problems. Cardiovascular diseases are the second most common cause of morbidity and the main cause of mortality among admitted Haj pilgrims in Modinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia