Behavioral risk factors of coronary artery disease: A paired matched case control study

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases are becoming the major cause of morbidity and mortality in most of the developing countries including India. Various behavioral risk factors are the major risk factors for coronary artery disease. Present study was carried out to study the role of various behavioral risk factors in the occurrence of coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Present study was a hospital-based paired-matched case-control study, carried out at civil hospital, Ahmedabad. A total of 135 newly-diagnosed cases of coronary artery disease and 135 controls were studied after taking an informed written consent. Data was analyzed by using Epi-info version 3.5.1 computer package, Chi -square test, Z test and Odds ratio was calculated. RESULTS Among the total 135 cases, 70.4% were male and 29.6% were female, most of the cases (40%) belong to the age group of 51-60 years. Smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and alcoholic were significantly higher among the cases as compared to controls. Significant association was also observed between current smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and coronary artery disease. Dose-response relationship was observed between the frequency of smoking per day and coronary artery disease (OR = 3.72). Significant association was also observed between obesity, physical inactivity, and coronary artery disease. Salt and oil intake per day were significantly higher among the cases as compared to controls. CONCLUSION Modifiable and preventable behavioral risk factors are major etiology behind the occurrence of coronary artery disease, which highlights the need of appropriate control strategies and measures.