KNOWLEDGE ABOUT RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SYMPTOMS IN PATIENT SUFFERING FROM CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Objective: To assess the knowledge level of different patients about risk factors, warning symptoms and preventive measures of cardiovascular diseases. Methodology: This observational cross sectional study was conducted at Cardiology Department Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH), Abbott bad from 15 June 2015 to 10 Aug 2015. The study population was selected using systematic random sampling. They were asked about risk factors knowledge and warning symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 171 patients were included. Of these, 117(68.4%)were males with mean age of 54.63±8.32 years. Of them urban population was 88(51.5%).Out of 171 patients, 24(14%) were unable to answer any question, 20.5 % said fatty food, 6.5% smoking and 12.8 % lack of exercise, while obesity, cholesterol ,high blood pressure, depression and diabetes was considered as risk factor by 17.6%,5.8%,2.3%,17%,and 3.5% of the patients respectively. According to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) 18.1% had poor, (57.9 %) fair, (18.7 %) good and 5.3 % had excellent knowledge about risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. About 70.2% considered chest pain as warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Most of the population of low socioeconomic status is unaware of the risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases, while awareness about CAD warning symptoms was good. Key Words: Cardiovascular Disease, Risk Factors, CARRF-KL, Knowledge, Urban Population.