Knowledge of Modifiable Risk Factors of Ischemic Heart Disease among Patients Presenting With Acute Myocardial Infarction in Peshawar

Abstract

Background: Ischemic Heart Disease is the leading cause of death around the world. Smoking, sedentary life, hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, low consumption of fruits and vegetable are few of the modifiable risk factors optimizing which greatly reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. Materials and methods: This Cross-Sectional Analytical Study was conducted in the departments of Cardiology of three Medical Teaching Institutes (HMC, KTH, LRH) of Peshawar from March to August 2017. Both male and female patients aged 30-65 years were included in the study using simple random sampling. Data was collected by using close ended questionnaire having demographic data, disease data and patients opinion regarding different risk factors. Results: Among 100 patients, 56 were male and 44 were female. Highest numbers of patients (45) belong to>60 years age group. 68% of both diabetic and hypertensive patients were aged>60 years. Patients having high level of education had better knowledge regarding safe diet (87% as compared to 26%). Level of awareness regarding smoking, physical exercise and obesity was very low as majority of patients didn’t get routine health education. 80% of current and 85% of ex-smokers considered smoking as risky while 70% of non-smokers didn’t know whether smoking makes any difference or not. Conclusion: Knowledge of modifiable risk factors of Ischemic Heart Disease and their significance in reducing the disease morbidity is lacking in Peshawar and patient education is direly needed.