A STUDY ON AWARENESS OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK DETERMINANTS IN PATIENT�S ATTENDER PRESENTING FOR ECHO CARDIOGRAPHY

A.Cardliya Jones; N. Junior Sundresh

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2017

A STUDY ON AWARENESS OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK DETERMINANTS IN PATIENT�S ATTENDER PRESENTING FOR ECHO CARDIOGRAPHY

A. Cardliya Jones, N. Junior Sundresh

Abstract :

Introduction: Adequate awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their risk factors may help reduce the population�s exposure to modifiable risk factors and thereby contribute to prevention and control strategies.

Aim: To access the awareness of cardiovascular risk determinants in patient�s attender presenting for echo cardiography.

Methods: This observational study was done in attender presenting with patient at the time cardio echography. Data was collected by interviewing the patient attender by using pre tested semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: 48% of participants were able to acquire a score of 20 and above from a total of 25, where as 52% of participants scored below 20. Overweight was considered as a major risk factor (68%) for heart disease by the participants followed by high cholesterol level (76%) ,High blood pressure level (72%) and Smoking (92%).

Conclusion: We have found sub-optimal levels of knowledge regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors. Community education on CVDs, targeting especially populations with low socio-economic status, may be beneficial in the combined efforts to achieve the reductions in heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases