FREQUENCY OF CONVENTIONAL RISK FACTORS OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN GULAB DEVI CHEST HOSTPITAL

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (M.I) is potentially critical and the most common cardiac emergency presenting to a hospital. Having significant mortality and morbidity cardiovascular risk factors are on the rise in Pakistan. In view of the associated lower survival ischemic heart diseases thus represent an important public health problem. Aim and Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of various conventional risk factors in the patients presenting with myocardial infarction, so as to guide our planning for primary and secondary prevention of this disease in our community. Methodology: A total of 100 consecutive patients from 20 – 80 years of age presenting with MI were included in the study. Their detailed history was taken including symptoms at presentation and their risk factors were assessed with the help of history and laboratory investigations. Following common risk factors were studied namely, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, family history and obesity. Results: Frequency wise risk factors were lined up as male sex (74%), smoking (70%), hypertension (62%), diabetes mellitus (60%), hyperlipidemia (44%), family history (40%) and obesity (14%). Out of these risk factors, 48% patients were presented with at least one major risk factor, 23% with two major risk factors and 29% were presented with three or more major risk factors. Conclusion: Smoking, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia were the major modifiable risk factors in our patients, which require a better control. The awareness of risk factors amongst the general public is low. Thus there is an urgent need to create more and more awareness about the preventive aspects and healthier life style in our community.