FREQUENCY OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG DAIRY WORKERS

Abstract

Objective: To find out frequency of various risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in dairy workers Methodology:This was a cross-sectional study involving dairy workers recruited in Peshawar Heart Study (PHS). All participants were interviewed in detail including family history, past medical history, smoking history and drug history. All participants pulse, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio was determined. Their random blood sugar and total cholesterol was checked. ECG was carried out. Data was analyzed for cardiovascular risk factors. Results:Total of 165 dairy workers were screened and interviewed. Mean age was 40 years. Male were 127 (77%) while females were 38 (23%). Mean BMI was 26.93±5.833. Mean systolic BP was 131.85±20.342 mm Hg while mean diastolic BP was 85.73±12.810 mm Hg. Mean Random Blood cholesterol was 161.25±20.60 mg/dl. Mean random blood sugar was 124±51.84 mg /dl. Out of 165 dairy workers, 17 (10.3%) had random blood Sugar more than 180 mg /dl. Active smokers were 26 (15.8 %). Dairy workers not having any regular exercise schedule were 147 (89.1%). Conclusion: We found that risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like lack of exercise, smoking, obesity and hypertension are quite frequent in this group.