Epidemiology of coronary heart disease in a rural Punjab population--prevalence and correlation with various risk factors.

An epidemiological study to find out the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and the influence of risk factors on the prevalence of CHD in a total rural community of Punjab was conducted in Pohir, situated near Ludhiana. A total of 1100 individuals (623 males and 477 females) out of a possible 1617 individuals (> 30 yrs) living in 3 villages were studied. In each case a detailed history, physical examination and a 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded. Samples for blood sugar and serum cholesterol were taken. By Epstein's criteria of ECG (using the Minnesota coding), the prevalence of CHD was 30.8/1000, being higher in women (37.7/1000) than in men (25.6/1000). By a clinical judgement method considering history, ECG and treadmill testing (TMT) collectively, prevalence was 31.8/1000, being still higher in women (33.5/1000) than in men (30.5/1000). The prevalence of various risk factors like hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes was found to be 14.5%, 8.9%, 7.0% and 4.6% respectively. Of the various risk factors tested, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and a positive family history showed an association with CHD. Only 38% of patients with CHD, 37% of the hypertensives and 52% of the diabetics were aware of its presence. The knowledge in the general population about risk factors causing CHD is poor.