Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated risk factors among older adults in India: Evidence from LASI Wave 1

BackgroundWith the turn of the century, CVDs have become the leading cause of mortality in India. Despite the wide heterogeneous prevalence of risk factors across different regions, CVD is the major cause of death in all parts of India. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CVDs and its associated risk factors among older adults in India.MethodsThe current study used data from the LASI, Wave 1, the world's largest and India's first longitudinal aging study. The total sample for the analysis was 65562 (45 and above individuals). The self-reported prevalence of CVDs was calculated by considering any one of the self-reported diagnosed conditions of hypertension, stroke, and chronic heart diseases. Binary Logistic regression was carried out between CVD and its associated risk factors like age, sex, place of residence, physical activity, family history of CVD, Diabetes/blood sugar, high cholesterol. P < 0.05 from two-sided statistical tests was regarded statistically significant.ResultsThe study indicated that the overall self-reported prevalence of diagnosed CVDs was 29.4% for older adults age 45 and above in India. Age was associated with increased risk of CVD Female older adults were more likely to have CVDs than male.The place of residence also had a stronger association with CVDs.In addition, high cholesterol, diabetes and physical inactivity were key risk factors for CVDs.The study also indicated that Family history was associated with a greater perceived risk for CVDs. The greater prevalence of CVDs risk factors among older adults manifested alarming public health concerns and a future health demand. It creates a threat if health promotion and awareness programs are not well designed.