Lifestyle related risk factors of coronary artery disease patients in Nepal

Abstract

Abstract Background Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and serious health problem worldwide. It is important to observe lifestyle related risk factors in patients with CAD for effective planning and implementation of secondary prevention strategies. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of lifestyle related risk factor habits among the patients with CAD. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among CAD patients in a tertiary care national heart center in Kathmandu, Nepal. Six lifestyle related factors (dietary habit, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, physical activity and adherence to medication) and Body Mass Index were used as the risk factors of CAD in this study. Individual face-to-face structured interview was conducted using culturally validated standard instruments. The descriptive characteristics were presented as frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or median and interquartile range (IQR) otherwise. Results In total study population, the mean age of the patients was 59.9 years and 76% were male. Patients having any three risk factors out of seven were the most common (36%) followed by two risk factors (25%) and four risk factors (22%). About 32% of study population were current smokers, whereas 29% were former smokers. Likewise, 31% of the total were physically inactive. Majority of the patients 95% had perceived moderate stress. Conclusions The prevalence of lifestyle related risk factors is high among CAD patients in study population. Combination of any three lifestyle related risk factors were the most common among patients. Therefore, studies focusing on lifestyle risk factor modification intervention on particular groups is recommended. Key messages Need to improve awareness about lifestyle related risk factors among CAD patients. Highlight the importance of lifestyle counselling.