Sunil S. Thanvi1, Sunil K. Karna2, Utsav B. Patel3
BACKGROUND
Routine screening of healthy individuals for the presence of cardiovascular risk
factors is important for identification of high-risk coronary artery disease (CAD)
patients at early stage and to provide preventive care. Considering the high burden
of CAD, such investigations are of significant importance in Indian context.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, adult individuals (18 – 68 years) were evaluated for
pre-existing diseases, lipid profile, blood glucose profile, thyroid profile,
haemoglobin (Hb) and vitamins D3 and B12 levels after obtaining informed
consent. These variables were compared between patients stratified based on
their gender and age (< 40, 40 – 60, > 60 years).
RESULTS
A total of 1,508 participants (mean age: 49 ± 11 years; 49.9 % females) were
investigated. Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, anaemia, vitamin D3 and B12
deficiencies, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism were observed in 31.2 %, 26.5
%, 32.0 %, 8.6 %, 35.3 %, 25.1 %, 21.0 % and 0.6 % of patients respectively.
Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia increased with ageing,
while deficiencies of Hb, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12 as well as hyperthyroidism
and hypothyroidism were comparable across all age groups. Males were more
prone to hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia, while females were more
prone to have Hb deficiency, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Total
cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),
fasting blood sugar (FBS), vitamin D3, and vitamin B12 were elevated with
increase in age, while Hb levels decreased. Males exhibited higher levels of TG,
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TC / HDL, LDL / HDL, FBS, and Hb,
while females displayed higher levels of vitamin D3 and B12.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings verify the role of age and gender on majority of cardiovascular risk
factors. The high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is alarming and
demands the need for appropriate health-care measures.
