FREQUENCY OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS WITH HIGHER BODY MASS INDEX

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) among patients with higher BMI). Methodology: This crosssectional study was conducted at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from January 2011 to December 2013. All patients >= 18 years of age, from both gender who attended cardiology clinic and gave consent, were included. Patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction within 3 months of starting the study, and those who had stroke, congestive cardiac failure or renal failure were excluded. Patients were categorized into three groups i,e. BMI <25(Normal), BMI 25-29.9 (overweight) and BMI >30 (obesity). The risk factors associated with CHD were recorded. A descriptive analysis of the characteristics of patients overall was performed, and the characteristics of patients with BMI <25 and BMI >25 were compared. P-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: A total number of 1492 patients were studied. Overall, 62.5% of patients were overweight/obese. The group of patients who had higher BMI (BMI>25) had more females(64%), more smokers(54%), more patients with diabetes mellitus (71.5%), hypertension (72%), ischemic heart disease (58%), hyper-lipidemia(88%) and post-menopausal women (64%). Conclusion: In conclusion, 62.5% of patients were overweight/obese. Diabetic and hypertensive patients had a higher prevalence of being overweight/obese, 71.5% and 72%, respectively. Age, gender, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and BMI were found to be independently associated with the risk of developing CHD.