Cardiovascular risk among patients attending the Family Practice Centre (FPC)

Abstract

Objectives: Diseases related to the cardiovascular system are among the highest causes of death in Sri Lanka. There is an increasing trend of the incidence and prevalence of cardio vascular diseases (CVD).  Evidence suggests that the modification of risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, central obesity will reduce the clinical events and premature deaths due to CVD. This study is designed to assess the CVD risk by using the WHO/ ISH risk assessment chart and Framingham risk score and to modify the possible risk factors in patients attending the FPC.

Method: A prospective study was carried out among the patients attending the FPC. Data collected using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire with informed written consent from patients. Patients attending the FPC over 40 years with no past history of cardiovascular events were included.

Results: The baseline results have been reported. Mean age was 56.8 years and the majority were females (77%). The CV risk factor distribution is as follows:

Diabetes mellitus 37%; Hypertension 35%; Hypercholesterolemia 31%; Smoking 6.8%; Alcohol 12.8%

WHO/ISH Score  - 89.6% had a <10% risk of CVD risk at 10 years,  6.8% had a 10-20% risk; 2% had a 20-30% risk, 1.6% had >30% risk.

Framingham score: 84.4% had <10% or less CVD risk at 10 years,  12% intermediate risk (10-20%) 3.6% high risk (20% or more)

Conclusion: Our study reveals a low collective cardiovascular risk though the prevalence of individual risk is high.