Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Women Who Are the Industrial Residents of Hyderabad

Abstract

Background and Aim Cardiovascular diseases among women are rapidly increasing as an epidemic. Identification of risk factors is very essential along with its clinical application to avoid misdiagnosis and poor management. This study aims to assess various risk factors among women who are industrial residents of Hyderabad, to estimate the risk by using Framingham risk score (FRS) categorization.Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 370 women using World Health Organization (WHO) stepwise approach (STEPS) questionnaire schedule with gender-specific risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, menopause, and pregnancy-associated complications; anthropometry, blood pressure, and lipid profile measurements. Risk estimate of over 10 years has been estimated with FRS. ANOVA (analysis of variance), and chi-square test was used to depict association of risk with various variables.Results Our study determined 3.7% at intermediate risk and 2.5% at higher risk using FRS. Highest prevalence of risk factors included mainly poor intake of good-cholesterol diet among 96%, predicted by low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) among 89%, poor intake of fruits among 81%, higher waist circumference (> 80 cm) among 66.7%, raised blood glucose among 58.4%, obesity (47.2%), extra intake of salt (40%), and metabolic syndrome among 29.7% with predominance in younger age group.Conclusion Estimation of cardiovascular risk at an earlier stage provides an opportunity to target young women among whom the metabolic syndrome is the major determinant with preventive strategies.