A Cross-sectional Study on Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Hypertensive Patients Using the World Health Organization-International Society of Hypertension Chart in Rural Field Practice Areas of a Medical College, Chennai

A BSTRACT Context: The global incidence of cardiovascular events is on rising trends, especially in young adults. Hypertension via its acceleration of atherosclerotic process is among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular events. In this study, we aim to estimate the cardiovascular event risk among hypertensive patients. Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among hypertensive patients in rural field practice areas of Madras Medical College. Methods: The hypertensive patients attending the outpatient department were included for the study. One hundred and eighty patients from two rural health centers were recruited for the study. The cardiovascular risk of the selected hypertensive patients was assessed by the World Health Organization-International Society of Hypertension chart. Results: Among the study participants, nearly half (45%) had less than 10% of CVD risk while about 5% had more than 40% risk of CVD. The prevalence of >10% CVD risk significantly increased with age with higher prevalence among the age group of 60–69 years (44.6%) compared to the age groups of 50–59 and 40–49 years ( P = 0.0001). The prevalence of >10% CVD risk was higher among nonvegetarians (58.75%), smokers (68.75%), alcoholics (68.3%), and diabetics (67.01%) than those who were taking vegetarian diet, nonsmokers, nonalcoholics, and nondiabetics with statistical significance. Conclusion: In comparison to a previous study, the higher incidence was due to coincidence of comorbidities. Hence, blood pressure control, comorbidity screening, and regular follow-up are mandated to avoid cardiovascular events among hypertensive patients.