Assessment of Ischemic Heart Disease and its Risk Factors among Asymptomatic Hospital Visitors

Objectives: The prevalence of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) and risk factors of IHD is increasing in developing countries, including India due to changes in lifestyle and dietary changes. Reports regarding asymptomatic ischemic heart disease (AIHD) among general population showed varying results. Studying the prevalence and associated risk factors of AIHD among the hospital visiting population is worthwhile. Materials & Methods: One hundred patients attending a tertiary care hospital, not known to have IHD or symptoms of IHD were included. ECG was recorded and IHD was diagnosed using Minnesota criteria. After collecting blood for lipid profile, height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were measured.  Results & Discussion: Among the study population, males (n=57) had increased age and height compared to females (n=43). HC, WC and body mass index (BMI) were increased in females compared to males. Among IHD risk factors BMI, WC and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were positively correlated with systolic BP and diastolic BP. The incidence of AIHD was found to be 13% among the study group. Compared to non-ischemic group age factor, triglycerides (TGL) and VLDL cholesterol were significantly elevated among AIHD subjects. On regression analysis, age and TGL were found to be independent risk factors to develop AIHD among this study population.  Conclusion: Prevalence of AIHD among hospital visiting patients is 13%. Age, TAG and VLDL were significantly increased in AIHD subjects compared to controls. Further regression analysis revealed age and TAG as associated risk factors to develop AIHD in this study population.

Asymptomatic ischemic heart disease; Risk factors of IHD