Assesment of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases at tertiary care hospital.

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension is the commonest cardiovascular disorder posing a major public health challenge, a chronic condition of concern due to its role in causation of coronary heart disease, stroke and other vascular complications. Aim and Objectives: To assess the Cardiovascular Risk Factors in apparently healthy individuals of B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad and to raise awareness among them. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out on 422 (179 females, 243 males) apparently healthy individuals aged 18 to 72 years at B. J. Medical College canteen and affiliated hospital O.P.D. for a period of one month and their height, weight, BMI(Body mass index) and blood pressure were measured. Results: Number of subjects with above normal systolic blood pressure were 88, out of which 68.2% were males with p value<0.05. 38.86% persons found to be overweight (with BMI >24.99) out of which 49.39% were females and 50.61% were males. 20.85% persons had Above Normal BP (Systolic BP >139) out of which 79.5% were persons >40 yrs of age and 59.1 % were overweight (with BMI >24.99). Conclusion: Screening for the cardiovascular risk factors could be useful in detection of modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases especially hypertension and obesity.