Abstract

Background: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. We designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of risk factors of this disease within patients diagnosed with CHD. Aim: our aim is to observe the current prevalence of risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD), with respect to the lifestyle. We will attempt to identify the possible causes of such habits. Patients and Method: a cross-sectional study among 300 Saudi patients, with known coronary heart disease, was conducted with help of a questionnaire. The study was conducted at the cardiology department of King Abdul Aziz Hospital & Oncology Center in the city of Jeddah. Results: the prevalence of CHD was higher in the male gender by a ratio of 2:1. Also, the prevalence increases with age, the highest being found in age group over 75 years old which is 8 times higher than was observed in age group 35-44 years. 72.5% females and 52.6% males of these atherosclerotic patients was either overweight or obese. The same trend is seen in negative habits of 10 years duration, such as lack of exercise as high as 75.6 % in males and 81.3% in females. Intake of fatty/fast food was found to be 64.85% in both sexes. Intake of sweet/ sugary food was also high, and unfortunately consumption of fruits and vegetables was low. The current smoking trend is 45.9% in men and 21.95% in women. Conclusion: The risk factors assessed in the study were gender, age, obesity, smoking history, physical inactivity, and eating habits. Unfortunately, physical inactivity, bad eating habits, and smoking were found to be very common. The patients must be encouraged to practice healthy lifestyle modifications to reduce morbidity and mortality.

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