Frequency of Coronary Heart Disease: Risk Factors among Doctors of CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore – Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of various risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) among doctors of CMH Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan. Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at CMH Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore from 01 Jun 2011 to 31^st Jul 2011. Subjects & Methods: A sample size of 104 subjects was selected by convenience sampling after taking verbal consent. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of questions about presence or absence of CHD risk factors was self-administered. Variables such as gender, age group, and CHD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, family history of heart disease, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, Body Mass Index (BMI) and exercise were included. Results: Among 104 subjects, 53(51%) were males, 51(49%) females and less than 40 years age group were 53 (51%) and more than 40 years were 51(49%). Proportions of major risk factors were: hypertension 20.2%, diabetes mellitus 7.7%, smoking 13.5%, hypercholesterolemia 19.2%, overweight 33.7%, obesity 5.8%, and lack of regular exercise 40.4%. Proportions of three major risk factors (smoking, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia) occurring singly, doubly and all three together in the study population were found to be 16.3%, 9.7% and 4.8% , respectively. Data was also analyzed for risk factors by comparing those with and without family history of CHD to eliminate any bias. Results were not statistically significant except for hypertension (P = 0.002). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CHD risk factors in doctors of CMH Lahore Medical & Dental College. Modifiable risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol need better control. Preventive screening programs and healthy lifestyles need to be emphasized.