FREQUENCY OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG PRISONERS

Abstract

Objectives: To find out frequency of various risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in prisoners.

Material and Methods: This was an cross-sectional study involving prisoners recruited in Peshawar Heart
Study (PHS). All participants were interviewed in detail including family history, past medical history, A
smoking history and drug history. All participants pulse, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist
hip ratio was determined. Their random blood sugar and total cholesterol was checked. ECG was carried out.
Data was analyzed for cardiovascular risk factors.

Results: Total of 166 prisoners were screened and interviewed. Mean age was 62 years. Mean BMI was 26.52
± 4.59. Mean systolic BP was 136.8 ± 22.91 mm Hg and mean diastolic BP was 87.77 ± 11.93 mm Hg. Mean
random blood cholesterol was 178.91 ± 29.12mg/dJ. Mean random blood sugar was 135 ± 4.93 mg /dJ. Out of
166 prisoners, 20 (2%) had random blood sugar more than 180 mg /dJ. Active smokers were 36 (21.7%).
Most prisoners were not exercising 119 (71.7%).

Conclusion: We found that risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like lack of exercise, smoking, obesity and
hypertension are quite frequent in this group.