Assessment of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Individuals Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital for Routine Medical Check-Up

Assessment of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Identifying risk factors in individuals undergoing routine medical check-ups is vital for early intervention.

Objective: Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases using a validated Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Questionnaire (CVRAQ) among individuals visiting a tertiary care hospital for routine medical check-ups.

Methods: A non-probability convenient sampling technique was employed. The study design was cross-sectional observational. The study included 185 individuals, both male and female. Participants were selected from a Tertiary Care Hospital. The age range of individuals was from 30 years onwards. Undiagnosed individuals were recruited who visited OPD for routine medical checkup. Risk factors were assessed using CVRAQ. Individuals with total CVRAQ score in term of mean: of -88 to 100 was categorized as low risk, 101 to 220 as moderate risk, 221 to 350 as high risk, and > 350 as very high risk.

Results: Out of 185 individuals, males were 80 (28.8%) and females were 105(37.8%) with mean age of individuals was 51.71. CVRAQ mean value was greater than 350 (788.09 ±8.644) so individuals were categorized as very high risk of CVD. The frequency distribution of most common risk factors observed in the study population was: Poor lifestyle 150 (81.1%), High lipids 159 (85.9%), High stress level 162 (87.6%).

Conclusion: The study showed that individuals who visit the hospital for routine medical check- ups have very high risk of cardiovascular diseases which is commonly seen in individuals having a cardiac family history, smokers, and abnormal levels of various risk factors. Most common risk factors observed in the study population were poor lifestyle, high lipids and high stress level.

Keywords: Risk Factors, Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Questionnaire, Tertiary Care, Health Check-up, Preventive Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Coronary Heart Disease, Myocardial Infarction