Risk factors of cardiovascular disease in district Swat

Objectives: To identify different risk factors of cardiovascular disease, to examine the association of these risk factors with the disease, and to assess the incidence of the disease in the study region. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out at the Cardiology Department of Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan, from September2013 to February2014, and comprised patients presenting with cardiac problems. Data was collected through cardiovascular risk assessment questionnaire by arranging a scheduled interview. Cardiovascular risk assessment questionnaire included modifiable, non-modifiable and contextual risk factors. Results: Among 582 individuals interviewed, 356(61.16%) were positive for cardiovascular disease, and 226(38.83%) were negative. Of the 356 positive individuals, 206(57.86%) were males and 150(42.13%) were females. There was a significant association of education, household population, marital status, blood pressure, blood sugar, age, family history, stress and sleep with cardiovascular diseases (p<0.05 each). However, gender, smoking, diet, residence and socio-economic status had no association (p>0.05 each). Conclusion: Stress and contextual risk factors played an important role in contributing to cardiovascular disease.