ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS FOR CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, resulting in impaired blood flow to the myocardium, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Major risk factors include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking, physical inactivity, and advancing age. Despite the burden of CAD, limited data exists on its predictors in low-resource settings, particularly in South Asia. This study aimed to assess the frequency of conventional risk factors for CAD among patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of conventional CAD risk factors, explore their association with CAD, and provide insights for targeted preventive interventions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (June to November 2024) in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 154 patients diagnosed with CAD were enrolled using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and medical record reviews using a self-structured, non-validated questionnaire. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables, including physical activity, dietary habits, and smoking status, were analyzed using SPSS, with statistical significance determined by p-values.

Results: The mean age of participants was 58.01 years (SD=9.509). Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor, affecting 79.9% (p=0.069). Diabetes was present in 61% of patients (p=0.760), while 52.6% had hyperlipidemia (p=0.960). A positive family history was reported by 37% (p=0.459). Physical inactivity was observed in 59.1%, and 55.8% consumed an unhealthy diet. Among men, 20.1% were current smokers, while no women reported smoking (p=0.000).

Conclusion: The study confirms a high burden of traditional CAD risk factors, emphasizing the need for public health interventions targeting modifiable risks such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and smoking. Larger, longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causal relationships.