PREVALENCE OF RISK FACTORS FOR CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN LOW MIDDLE CLASS URBAN COMMUNITIES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

We sought to evaluate the urban communities for prevalence of CHD risk factors and the feasibility of
implementation of prevention programme. National Health Survey data of Pakistan Medical Association has
shown that the risk factors for CHD are significantly prevalent in the urban communities of Pakistan. There
are no national programmes of prevention of CHD, therefore implementation of prevention at the
community level may be achievable. Therefore risk factors profile, socioeconomic status, social service
infrastructure & motivation of the community must be known if such intervention is to be successfully
implemented. Three communities, Korangi 4, Akhtar Colony and Metroville which are located around
Karachi were visited by holding day camps. The demographic data collected included age sex household
composition, rooms per house & members per house, monthly income and profession of the head of the
household. History of CHD, diabetes, hypertension & smoking was recorded. in a questionnaire, height,
weight, ECG, Blood pressure and serum cholesterol were determined. No formal social services were present
in any of the three communities. The average income of subjects was 2281 Rupees per month and average age
was 40.9 years. There were 6. 1 persons per house in 2.3 rooms per house. Sixty seven percent were employed
and 33% had no job. Risk factors were prevalent so that 24% were current smokers, 34% had
hypercholestrolamia 5.5%, had diabetes and hypertension was noted in 20% males and 30% of females. Our
data showed that the CHD risk factors were significantly prevalent in our low middle class urban
communities. There are no structured community based social organizations and motivation of the
communities for prevention of CHD was weak. This data has helped us plan the type of intervention strategy
and the steps required for implementation.