Cardiovaseular risk factors among males with war-related bilateral lower limb amputation

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the cardiovascular risk factors among 327 Iranian males with bilateral lower limb amputation. The average age at the time of amputation and at the time of the study was 20.6 (SD = 5.4) and 42 years (SD = 6.3), respectively. Below both knees was the most common level of amputation (37.6%). About 95.4% had at least one modifiable risk factor. Prevalence of risk factors included: hyperglycemia 13.1%, systolic hypertension 18.9%, diastolic hypertension 25.6%, abdominal obesity 82.5%, high total cholesterol 36.7%, low HDL 25.9%. high LDL 24.7%, high triglycerides 32.1%:, and smoking 31.8%. The most common risk factor was abdominal obesity. Prevalence of coronary artery disease was similar to the general Iranian population but prevalence of risk factors was higher significantly. The majority of the cases seem to be susceptible to cardiovascular disease in near future. Some strategies are needed as a primary prevention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reprint and Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2009.