European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a major public health problem and leading cause of mortality in developing countries. Cardiovascular risk assessment approach is feasible and cost-effective tool, which helps to identify those at high risk for developing CVDs. so that immediate preventive measures or action can be taken to reduce the risk. Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the CVD (myocardial infarction or stroke) risk by utilizing the WHO/ISH risk charts (non-cholesterol based/ noninvasive chart) in a tribal population of Nasik, India. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community-based study conducted in the rural health training center of the tertiary Healthcare Institute Nashik on 110 participants. The WHO/ISH risk prediction chart for South-East Asia Region D (SEAR D) was used for calculating the 10-year cardiovascular risk. Results: Among total 110 study participants, 83 (75.5%) were in the mild-risk (<10%) category. The 10-year risk of myocardial infarction and stroke is comparable among both sexes (Male- 24.4%, female – 25%), type of occupation (Farmer 24.4%, Non-farmer group – 24.6%), and educational status (Up to secondary level – 25%, above secondary education – 23.3%). Risk factors such as advancing age, three generation family, Tobacco addiction, Family History of Diabetes, Stress, high blood pressure (Both SBP & DBP) and raised random blood sugar level were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of the major cardiovascular event. Conclusion: WHO/ISH chart is a best useful tool in identifying CVD risk. This can further help in planning and implementing targeted interventions amongst identified high risk population in tribal population.