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Background: Three-fifths of total deaths in India are attributed to noncommunicable diseases, and coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the dominant causes. There are only few studies available in India to find confirmed CHD by pragmatic approach. This study aims to find prevalence of confirmed CHD and its risk factors in rural community of central India., Materials and Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study during 2013-2014 involving adults ≥60 years from 13 villages in rural central India. We screened CHD on the basis of history and standard 12-lead ECG. Apart from the past documentation of CHD, we diagnosed confirmed CHD in symptomatic patients or with resting ECG changes by means of echocardiography, exercise ECG test or coronary angiography whenever needed., Results: We screened 1190 of 1415 individuals ≥60 years for CHD. Five hundred eighty were men and 610 were women. Diagnosis of CHD was confirmed in 61 individuals (29 men and 32 women). The prevalence of CHD in individuals older than 60 years was 51.3 per 1000 population. Hypertension was the only independent risk factor associated with CHD, whereas association of diabetes mellitus, obesity, socioeconomic status and smoking with CHD was not significant., Conclusion: Prevalence of confirmed CHD has increased in agrarian rural community in central India, which requires further studies to find out causative factors., (Copyright © 2019 Cardiological Society of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of socioeconomic factors on use of cardioprotective medicines in known coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke in South Asia., Methods: We enrolled 33,423 subjects aged 35-70 years (women 56%, rural 53%, low education 51%, low household wealth 25%) in 150 communities in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh during 2003-2009. Information regarding socioeconomic status, disease conditions and treatments was recorded. We studied influence of rural location, educational status and household wealth on use of drug therapies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated., Results: CHD was reported in 683 (2.0%), stroke 316 (0.9%), and CHD/stroke in 970 (2.9%). Median duration since diagnosis was four years. Participants with CHD/stroke were older with greater prevalence of smoking, overweight, hypertension and diabetes (p < 0.01). In patients with CHD, stroke and CHD/stroke, respectively, use (%) of antiplatelets was 11.6, 3.8 and 9.3, beta-blockers 11.9, 7.0 and 10.4, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers 6.4, 1.9 and 5.3 and statins 4.8, 0.6 and 3.5. In CHD/stroke patients any one of these drugs was used in 18.1%, any two in 7.2%, any three in 2.8% and none in 81.5%. Details of drug dose were not available. Use of drugs was significantly lower in rural low education and low wealth index participants (all p < 0.01). Low wealth index participants had the lowest use of these therapies with no attenuation after multiple adjustments., Conclusion: The use of secondary preventive drug therapies in patients with known CHD or stroke in South Asia is low with over 80% receiving none of the effective drug treatments. Low household wealth is the most important determinant., (© The European Society of Cardiology 2014.)

Aim: Antithrombotic therapy with heparin plus antiplatelets reduces the rate of ischemic events in patients with coronary heart disease. Low molecular weight heparin has a more predictable anticoagulant effect than standard unfractionated heparin, is easier to administer, does not require monitoring and is associated with less ADRs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and cost outcomes of Enoxaparin with a standard unfractionated heparin in patients with coronary heart disease., Materials and Methods: This was a noninvasive prospective observational descriptive study carried out at a multi-specialty tertiary care teaching hospital situated in rural Tamil Nadu, India. Male and female coronary heart disease (CHD) patients aged 35-75 years newly diagnosed or those having a history of CHD were included. The intervention group received enoxaparin for 5 days. A series of resting the electrocardiogram, prothrombin time and ADRs were measured in all patients during days 1 and 21 respectively., Results: Compared to unfractionated heparin group of patients, the average prothrombin time was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) whereas hypokalemia was significantly lower (P < 0.02) in enoxaparin group of patients. Even though recurrence of angina and ADRs such as bleeding, nausea, headache and sudden cough occurred less frequently in the enoxaparin group of patients compared to unfractionated heparin group of patients, the differences were not significant., Conclusions: Antithrombotic therapy with enoxaparin plus aspirin was safer and more effective than unfractionated heparin plus aspirin, in reducing the incidence of ischemic events in patients with unstable angina or myocardial infarction in the early phase.

Background: With the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary artery procedures have become even more important. Our study has compared transradial to transfemoral artery approach for coronary procedures in Indian population., Aims and Objective: Comparison of transradial and transfemoral artery approach for percutaneous coronary procedures., Material & Methods: 26,238 patients, who underwent percutaneous coronary artery procedures, were divided into two groups depending upon transradial and transfemoral artery approach and compared for the various demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors profile, vascular access and procedural details., Results: 26,238 patients underwent percutaneous coronary procedures at our center. 81% were male and 19% were female. 55.65% and 44.35% procedures were done through transfemoral and transradial approach, respectively. 17,417 (66.38%) coronary angiographies were done, out of which 53.92% were transradial and 46.08% were transfemoral procedures. 8821 (33.62%) Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) were done, out of which 25.46% and 74.54% were done through transradial and transfemoral approach, respectively. Mean fluoroscopy time was 4.40 ± 3.55 min for transradial and 3.30 ± 3.66 min for transfemoral CAG (p < 0.001). For PTCA mean fluoroscopy time was 13.53 ± 2.53 min for transradial and 12.61 ± 9.524 min for transfemoral PTCA (p < 0.001). Minor and major procedure related complications and total duration of hospital stay were lower in transradial as compared to transfemoral group., Conclusion: The number of percutaneous transradial procedures have increased significantly with reduced complication rates and comparable success rate to transfemoral approach, along with the additional benefits to patient in terms of patient comfort, preference and reduced cost of health delivery., (Copyright © 2013 Cardiological Society of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is fast becoming a major morbidity and mortality burden in the developing world. The magnitude of the problem is predicted to exceed that of the developed world due to the sheer population numbers at risk. The Indian subcontinental ethnicity has been associated with a more severe form of CAD that has its onset at a younger age. This form of coronary disease and its risk factors seem quite different from what has been previously described in studies done among non-Asian Indian populations (mainly Caucasians living in the West). This fact has led to a situation where the current preventative and management protocols that have worked well in the non-Asian Indian populations, have failed to bring about the anticipated control over this disease condition, its progression and its incidence in this population. The time has come to identify the variant of CAD in the Asian Indian ethnic population and the associated metabolic factors, as a separate and distinct entity, and as a unique syndrome. This distinction may facilitate more focused and ethnicity-specific studies to be carried out to unravel the mysteries surrounding the clinical, pathological and molecular biological aspects of the CAD syndrome among Asian Indian ethnics. The outcomes and findings of such investigations may help gain a stranglehold on this rapidly-progressing disease condition among the populations in emerging and densely-populated economies of the South Asian region, as well as among millions of Asian-Indian ethnics living all over the world. Thus we may brace ourselves to better address or even prevent what has been dubbed "the next major clinical epidemic of our times".

Objective: This study examines the association of A1C with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, coronary artery disease (CAD), and metabolic syndrome in Asian Indians with normal glucose tolerance (NGT)., Research Design and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited subjects from phase III of the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES), an epidemiological study in a representative population of Chennai (formerly Madras) in South India, conducted between January 2003 and June 2004. Included were 1,644 subjects with NGT, i.e., fasting plasma glucose <100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l) and 2-h postload plasma glucose <140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l). A1C was measured using the Biorad Variant machine. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on modified Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines., Results: The mean +/- SD A1C value in the study cohort was 5.5 +/- 0.4%. A1C showed a significant association with BMI (beta = 0.017, P < 0.001), systolic (beta = 0.002, P = 0.028) and diastolic (beta = 0.202, P = 0.017) blood pressure, waist circumference (beta = 0.007, P < 0.001), serum cholesterol (beta = 0.002, P < 0.001), triglycerides (beta = 0.001, P < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (beta = 0.002, P < 0.001), fasting insulin (beta = 0.009, P < 0.001), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (beta = 0.047, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age and sex. Regression analysis showed that A1C had a strong association with metabolic syndrome that persisted after adjusting for age and sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.9 [95% CI 2.08-4.00]; P < 0.001). A1C also had a strong association with CAD (2.6 [1.23-5.63]; P = 0.01), but the significance was lost when adjusted for age and sex., Conclusions: There is a strong association of A1C with prevalent CVD risk factors in Asian-Indian subjects with NGT.

Background: There is growing evidence that Chlamydia pneumoniae may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, as several studies have demonstrated the presence of the organism in atherosclerotic lesions. C. pneumoniae infections, which are especially persistent infections, have been difficult to diagnose either by serological methods or isolation of the organism from the tissue. Nucleic Acid Amplification tests (NAATs) has emerged as an important method for detecting C. pneumoniae. Inspite of high prevalence of C. pneumoniae specific antibodies in coronary heart disease patients, direct detection of C. pneumoniae in circulating blood of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients by sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests nested PCR (nPCR), multiplex PCR (mPCR) has not been carried out is required. Further correlation of the presence of C. pneumoniae in blood of CAD patients with C. pneumoniae specific IgA and IgG antibodies, which may indicative of the status of infection with the progression of atherosclerosis. This will help in order to prepare strategies for the antibiotic intervention to avoid the progression towards CAD., Methods: Venous blood was obtained from 91 CAD patients and 46 healthy controls. Nucleic acid amplification tests viz. nested-, semi-nested- and multiplex PCR were used for detection of C. pneumoniae. ELISA carried out prevalence of C. pneumoniae specific IgG and IgA antibodies., Results: 29.67% (27/91) patients were positive for C. pneumoniae using nested PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of semi-nested and multiplex PCR were 37.03%, 96.96% and 22.22%, 100% with respect to nested PCR. Positive nPCR patients were compared with presence of C. pneumoniae specific IgA, IgA+IgG and IgG antibodies. Among 27 (29.67%) nPCR C. pneumoniae positive CAD patients, 11(12%) were IgA positive, 13(14.2%) were IgA+IgG positive and only1 (1.1%) was IgG positive. A significant presence of C. pneumoniae was detected in heavy smokers, non-alcoholics and with family histories of diabetes and blood pressure group of CAD patients by nPCR., Conclusion: The results indicate synergistic association of C. pneumoniae infection and development of CAD with other risk factors. We also detected increased positivity for C. pneumoniae IgA than IgG in nPCR positive CAD patients. Positive nPCR findings in conjunction with persisting high C. pneumoniae specific antibody strongly suggest an ongoing infection.

We conducted a hospital-based case-control investigation (150 cases and 176 controls) to examine the putative role of conventional risk factors in subjects with and without coronary heart disease from Eastern India. Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed the following as significant risk factors for coronary heart disease: male sex (OR = 4.6, p = 0.001), elevated total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio (OR = 4.0, p = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (OR = 3.0, p = 0.004), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 3.6, p = 0.002), fasting plasma glucose (OR = 3.0, p = 0.05), post-pondrial plasma glucose (OR = 3.2, p = 0.005), Impaired fasting glucose (OR = 3.7, p = 0.002), elevated triglyceride (OR = 3.1, p = 0.018), increased total cholesterol (OR = 3.0, p = 0.029), low-density lipoprotein (OR = 3.1, p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio (OR = 3.4, p = 0.004), central obesity (OR = 3.0, p = 0.006), smoking (OR = 3.7, p = 0.001) and urban residence (OR = 3.1, p = 0.003). In this study, the discriminant analysis showed that 77.2% of all entry for cases and 72.6% of all entry for controls were correctly classified using conventional risk factors and warrant early intervention for conventional risk factors.

Background: Aspirin resistance is considered to be an enigma and the data available on aspirin resistance is scarce. This study was initiated to prospectively evaluate the prevalence of aspirin resistance in patients with stable coronary artery disease by using an established method of optical platelet aggregation., Methods and Results: We studied 50 patients who were on 150 mg of aspirin for the previous 7 days. Fasting blood samples were assessed using optical platelet aggregation (Chronolog Corp, USA). The mean platelet aggregation with 10 microm of adenosine diphosphate in our patient group was 49.42 +/- 23.29% and with 0.5 mg/ ml of arachidonic acid it was 13.58 +/- 21.40%. Aspirin resistance was defined as a mean aggregation of > or =70% with 10 microm of adenosine diphosphate and a mean aggregation of > or =20% with 0.5 mg/ml of arachidonic acid. Aspirin semi responders were defined as those meeting only one of the criteria. Based on these criteria, 2.08% patients were found to be aspirin-resistant, 39.58% were aspirin semi responders and 58.33% were aspirin responders. Females tended to be more aspirin semi responsive (p = 0.08). All other parameters tested, namely, age, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, lipids, hemoglobin, platelet count, ejection fraction and drug intake did not show any statistically significant difference among the groups. Thus, in our group 41.66% patients showed inadequate response to aspirin., Conclusions: This study shows that aspirin resistance and aspirin semi responsiveness do occur in the Indian patients and there are no reliable clinical predictors for this condition. The diagnosis therefore relies primarily on laboratory tests.

We studied the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in patients with chest pain presenting to an emergency department. Majority of the patients had coronary artery disease (CAD). Twenty-three percent of patients with chest pain had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder according to ICD-10 research criteria. Anxiety and depressive disorders were equally distributed among patients with concomitant psychiatric syndrome. The level of psychological distress as measured on hospital anxiety and depression scale in patients of CAD with comorbid psychiatric syndrome was significantly more than patients with CAD alone and similar to non-CAD patients with psychiatric disorder. This finding is in agreement with an earlier study suggesting that the psychological distress seen in patients with CAD is related to the comorbid psychiatric condition and not to CAD.

To assess the predictive ability of Framingham's risk score in primary prevention in our population, 252 cases and 212 age and sex matched controls were taken up for study. Those patients, who were presenting for the first time with acute coronarysyndrome (ACS) and who did not have any prior manifestations of coronary artery disease (CAD) and whose medical records were available formed the patient group. Framingham's risk score was calculated and the corresponding 10 years risk was assessed in each of them. The patients and controls were divided into two groups--diabetic and non-diabetic. Depending on the 10 years risk, they were further grouped into high risk (10 years risk > 20%), moderately high risk (10 years risk 10 to 20%) and low risk (10 years risk less than 10%). Results were compared and statistically analysed. In the diabetic patients with ACS 14% would have qualified as high risk, 33% as moderately high risk and 53% as low risk whereas in diabetic patients without any manifestation of CAD the distribution was 4% in the high risk, 54% in the moderately high risk and 42% in the low risk. In the non-diabetic subjects, amongst the patients of ACS, 20% would have been in high risk, 39% in moderately high risk and 41% in the low risk. The corresponding figures in the non-diabetic control subjects were 10% in high risk, 22% in the moderately high risk and 68% in the low risk. In the non-diabetic subjects, the mean risk was significantly more in patients than in controls (14.15% versus 8.61%, p <0.01). However, in the diabetic patients there was no significant difference in the mean projected risk between patients with ACS and patients without any manifestation of CAD (11.37% versus 10.41%, p>0.05).

Background: The relative importance of various risk factors varies in different regions of India. This was a retrospective study of patients with recently diagnosed coronary artery disease to assess four major risk factors: dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking and diabetes., Material and Methods: A total of 5748 patients (4952 males, 796 females) with recently diagnosed coronary artery disease were analysed from the records of Heart Hospital along with 8103 controls (6092 males and 2011 females). Absolute lipid levels as well as prevalence of dyslipidemia using the ATP III guidelines were assessed. They were classified into two major groups premature CAD (males < 45 years females < 55 years) and CAD at usual age (males > or = 45 years, females > or = 55 years)., Results: The most common pattern of CAD was chronic stable angina (n=2773, 48.24%). Mean total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol and TC/HDL ratio were significantly higher in subjects with CAD compared to subjects without CAD controls. The mean HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar in both groups. Elevated LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol, elevated total cholesterol and abnormal TC/HDL ratios were more common in CAD patients as compared to controls (38.8% vs. 33.14%, 29.3% vs 18.2%, 36.9% vs 32.5% and 59.05% vs 44.3% respectively). However lipid abnormalities were not significantly different in females > or = 55 in CAD vs non-CAD group. Smoking was significantly more common in subjects with CAD groups (30.97% vs. 12.72%) as compared to subjects without CAD (P < 0.0001). It was most common in males with premature CAD (44.1 % P < 0.0001). Hypertension was found in 1036 patients (18.02%) and diabetes in 763 (13.28%) as compared to 1126 (13.9%) hypertensives in non-CAD group and 639 diabetics (7.89%) (P = 0.001), both were more common in males > or = 45 and females > or = 55 as compared to those with premature CAD (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Among the risk factors assessed, dyslipidemia (particularly abnormal TC/HDL ratio and elevated LDL cholesterol), smoking hypertension and diabetes were associated with coronary artery disease in decreasing order of prevalence. In premature CAD, dyslipidemia and (in males) smoking are of particular importance.

Although Asian Indians represent the second fastest growing Asian immigrant group in the United States, we know little about their increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). A key word search of Medline (using key words Asian Indian, South Asian Indian, coronary artery disease, and heart disease), from 1980-2001, was used to develop a database of articles relating to coronary artery disease for Asian Indians in the United States and abroad. We describe the prevalence and other data of CAD in Asian-Indian communities abroad and in the United States. We then outline certain risk factors for coronary artery disease, specifically diet, cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, which contribute to the increased risk of heart disease in Asian Indians. Finally, we describe an approach to screening and potential prevention of coronary artery disease in those of Asian-indian descent in this country.

Men and women of African and South Asian ancestry in the United States are increasingly recognized as being at greater risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) than Caucasians of European ancestry. Relatively little data on the genetic and lifestyle risk factors that predispose women to CHD in these ethnic minorities are available. We compared coronary risk factors in a volunteer sample of African-American, Asian Indian American, and Caucasian American women of college age. Life style, dietary, hemodynamic and anthropometric parameters, and laboratory data were sought from 70 subjects in each ethnic group. African-American women were found to have lower triglyceride levels and higher apolipoproten A-1, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), fibrinogen, and fasting insulin levels. They also consumed more fat and cholesterol than their peers, had a higher percentage of body fat, body weight, and body mass indexes, and reported less physical activity than Caucasians. Asian Indian American women had higher Lp(a), HDL, and fibrinogen levels than Caucasian American women, and also reported less physical activity. Thus, young African- American and Asian Indian American women have several modifiable risk factors as well as some nontraditional lipid risk factors that warrant consideration for explaining the increased prevalence of CHD in these ethnic groups. The tendency toward peripheral insulin insensitivity and increased body fat in this age group of African-American women suggests diet and exercise may reduce the risk of subsequent CHD.

Background: To lower costs, many centers around the world utilize previously used, resterilized balloon catheters to perform coronary angioplasty There are no controlled trials regarding their safety and efficacy., Methods and Results: We performed the first randomized, double-blind, controlled, single-center clinical trial comparing the safety (clinical success) and efficacy (angiographic success) of reused versus new coronary angioplasty balloon catheters. A total of 377 procedures were included, 178 in the reused catheter arm and 199 in the new catheter arm. There were no significant differences in clinical or lesion characteristics among the two arms. The incidence of first balloon failure in the reused catheter arm was similar to that of the new catheter arm (12 cases [7%] v. 10 cases [5%], respectively). The angiographic success rate was also similar-176 cases (98.9%) in the reused catheter arm and 196 cases (98.5%) in the new catheter arm. The number of balloon catheters used per lesion, amount of contrast, and procedural and fluoroscopy time were similar in the two arms. At 30 days, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events was similar in both arms, 8 cases (4.5%) in the reused catheter arm and 10 cases (5%) in the new catheter arm. The incidence of fever was also similar., Conclusions: When performing coronary angioplasty, reused catheters are as effective (similar angiographic success) and safe (similar clinical success) as new catheters.

Ischaemic heart disease is a leading cause of death in the world. It has clinically defined phases as: Asymptomatic, stable angina, progressive angina and unstable angina. It is important to differentiate patients of angina into those with stable and unstable angina--risk stratification and management differ in the two groups. Risk stratification of patients with stable angina using clinical parameters helps in development of clearer indication of referral for exercise testing and cardiac catheterisation. Chronic stable angina patients with history of documented myocardial infarction of Q waves on ECG should have measurement of left ventricular systolic function (ie, ejection fraction) as it is important for choosing the appropriate medical or surgical therapy. Symptomatic patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease should usually undergo exercise testing to assess the risk of future cardiac events. The treatment of stable angina has two purposes: To prevent myocardial infarction and death and therapy directed towards preventing death. Pharmacotherapy consists of: Aspirin, lipid lowering agents, beta-blockers, nitrates, short acting dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, etc. For surgery, there are two well established approaches of revascularisation. One is coronary artery by-pass grafting and the other is percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Studies comparing different treatment modalities are elaborated in this article. In conclusion, it can be said that patients having severe symptoms affecting quality of life despite optimal medical therapy should be referred for revascularisation surgery.

Very high prevalence rates of coronary artery disease have been reported among Indians. The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of isolated hypercholesterolemia, isolated hypertriglyceridemia, isolated high low-density lipoprotein and isolated low high-density lipoprotein in coronary artery disease among South Indian type 2 diabetic subjects. The study group comprised of 17,885 type 2 diabetic patients attending our institute. A history of documented myocardial infarction was considered as the diagnostic criteria for coronary artery disease. Isolated hypercholesterolemia was defined as serum cholesterol over 200 mg/dL with normal serum triglyceride levels (< or = 200 mg/dL); isolated hypertriglyceridemia was defined as serum triglyceride level over 200 mg/dL with normal serum cholesterol levels (< or = 200 mg/dL). Isolated low high-density lipoprotein was defined as one below 35 mg/dL with normal serum triglyceride levels. Isolated high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was defined as one over 150 mg/dL with normal serum triglyceride levels. Normolipidemia was defined as serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride both upto 200 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein 35 mg/dL or above and low-density lipoprotein upto 150 mg/dL. The prevalence of coronary artery disease was significantly high among patients with isolated hypercholesterolemia (4.1%; p < 0.001), isolated high low-density lipoprotein (4.5%; p < 0.001) and isolated low high-density lipoprotein (3.9%; p = 0.005) compared to normolipidemic individuals (2.8%), but not in those with isolated hypertriglyceridemia (3.4%). The odds ratios for coronary artery disease increased with each quartiles of isolated cholesterol, isolated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio and reached statistical significance in the last quartile (p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in the odds ratios for coronary artery disease in relation to quartiles of isolated triglycerides. For isolated low high-density lipoprotein, when the last quartile was taken as the reference, the odds ratio for coronary artery disease in the first quartile reached statistical significance (p = 0.03). Multivariate regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio 1.06; p < 0.001), male sex (odds ratio 1.7; p < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio 1.26; p = 0.07) and high low-density lipoprotein levels (odds ratio 1.22; p = 0.043) to be strongly associated with coronary artery disease. Among South Indian type 2 diabetic subjects, serum isolated hypercholesterolemia and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not isolated hypertriglyceridemia appear to be associated with coronary artery disease.

Objectives: A cross sectional study was conducted to find the prevalence of coronary risk factors in non-insulin dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients and to compare and co-relate these risk factors in type II diabetics with and without electrocardiographic and/or symptomatic evidence of coronary heart disease (CHD)., Methods: One hundred sixty-seven consecutive NIDDM patients (77 males, and 90 females) attending the diabetic clinic at Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi were studied. Only known NIDDM cases, already on treatment and without any history of ketosis or congestive heart failure were included. Coronary risk factors comprising of age, gender, duration and treatment for diabetes, smoking, physical activity, hypertension, truncal obesity, lipids, microalbuminuria (semiquantitative) and glycemic control have been particularly ascertained in all the cases. The data was analysed using 'Epi Info version 6.0'., Results: The mean age of patients was 53.12 year and 8.86 year was the mean duration of diabetes. 28.6% of the diabetic men were found to be currently smoking and/or consuming alcohol, 82% were involved in sedentary physical activity and 20.4% had family history of CHD. Central obesity was observed in 46.7% of the cases; more so in females. 31.74% of cases were hypertensive; more females than males had hypertension (33.8% vs 30%). Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > = 9.5%) was seen in 16.8% of the cases. In about 52.5% of the total group hypertriglyceridemia was noted. Microalbuminuria could be found in 35.93%. CHD was diagnosed in 15.57% of cases in this study., Conclusions: The present study revealed that high levels of serum cholesterol (p = 0.000004), LDL (p = 0.00003), HbA1c (p = 0.002), microalbuminuria (p = 0.000006) and hypertension (p = 0.00006) are significant associates of CHD in NIDDM (both the sexes). Among the female NIDDM cases, in addition BMI (p = 0.01), Waist-hip ratio (WHR) (p = 0.003) and low HDL level (p = 0.008) are important correlates of CHD. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to allow for confounding between variables. Microalbuminuria alone entered the 'best' model for CHD prediction. Other risk factors, though significant, provided inadequate models for CHD prediction.

To determine the association between intake of dietary fat, specifically Indian ghee, and prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and risk factors as study was undertaken on a rural population in Rajasthan. Total community cross-sectional survey was done using a physician administered questionnaire; 1982 males aged 20 years and more were studied. The dietary questionnaire focused on the amount and type of fat consumed. Staple dietary fat in this area is mustard/rapeseed oil and Indian ghee. To define the role of ghee, the average amount consumed in a month was determined; 782 males (39%) consumed 1 kg or more ghee per month (group 1) and 1200 (61%) consumed less than 1 kg per month (group 2). To elicit details of fatty acid composition of the diet consumed, detailed dietary history was acquired from a random 460 (23%) males; 220 from group 1 and 240 from group 2. Group 1 males were significantly younger, more literate and had more weight and body-mass index. This group consumed significantly more calories, saturated and mono-unsaturated fats while the consumption of polyunsaturated fats was similar in the two groups. Fatty acid intake analysis showed that group 1 males consumed more mono-unsaturated (n-9) fatty acids than group 2. Intake of polyunsaturated n-3 and n-6 fatty acids was similar. There was significantly lower prevalence of CHD in men who consumed > kg ghee per month (odds ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence limits 0.18-0.30, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed this association (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension and other coronary risk factors was similar in the two groups.

To determine the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and coronary risk factors in an urban Indian population, we studied a random sample of population of Jaipur. A physician-administered questionnaire, physical examination and a 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed on 2,212 adults of > or = 20 years of age (males 1,415, females 797). CHD was diagnosed on the basis of past documentation, response to WHO-Rose questionnaire or changes in the electrocardiogram. The overall prevalence of CHD was 7.6 percent (168 cases). The prevalence rate was 6.0 percent (84) in males and 10.4 percent (84) in females with an age-related increase in prevalence ('p' for trend < 0.001). When diagnosed on the basis of electrocardiographic changes alone (Q, ST or T wave), the prevalence was 5.2 percent (116), with 3.5 percent in males and 8.4 percent in females. CHD was silent in 57 percent males and 79 percent females. Coronary risk factors were observed in a significant proportion: smoking in 32 percent (males 39 percent, females 19 percent), hypertension (> or = 140/90 mm Hg) in 31 percent (males 30 percent, females 34 percent-JNC-V) and > or = 160/95 mm Hg in 11 percent (males 10 percent, females 12 percent; WHO classification), diabetes in 1 percent and sedentary habits in 71 percent. Additional risk factors were generalised obesity (body-mass index > or = 27 Kg/m2) in 11 percent and truncal obesity (waist-hip ratio > 0.95) in 17 percent males and 13 percent females. Significant association of CHD prevalence were seen with age, sedentary habits and presence of hypertension in both males and females, and in addition with smoking in males.

3148 persons (1982 males and 1166 females) aged more than 20 years in a cluster of three villages were examined. The overall prevalence of smoking was 51% in males (n = 1006) and 5% in females (n = 54). Among male smokers there were 26% light smokers (< or = 5 bidis/day), 51% moderate smokers (6-20/day) and 17% heavy smokers (> 20 day) and in females there were 54% light smokers, 41% moderate smokers and 5% heavy smokers. Smokers were less educated and had higher prevalence of work-related physical activity and alcohol intake. There was a higher prevalence of hypertension and of ECG Q-waves in male smokers. Regular alcohol intake was seen in 19% males (n = 377) and in 2% females (n = 26). Among males there were 43% light drinkers (< or = 28 gm ethanol/day), 32% moderate drinkers (28-56 gm ethanol/day) and 5% heavy drinkers (> 56 gm ethanol/day). Although this group had a higher prevalence of hypertension there was an insignificant difference in CHD prevalence and a significantly lower prevalence of ECG Q-waves. Subgroup analysis has also been performed taking non-smoker-non-alcohol consuming group as controls. It was found that group which comprised of smokers-non-alcohol consumers had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension and of ECG Q-waves. Alcohol intake-smoker group had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension. The habits of smoking and alcohol consumption are widely prevalent among males in this rural community. Smoking and alcohol-intake, both individually and collectively, are related to higher prevalence of hypertension as well as CHD. While the prevalence of hypertension is more among the alcohol consumers, smokers have a higher prevalence of CHD.

In 1983, we carried out a cross-sectional, rural community based study and highlighted an abysmally low prevalence of probable coronary heart disease in resting electrocardiogram. A seven year follow-up (1983-1990) of 179 suspects showed no morbidity or mortality from coronary heart disease. Eighty one out of 98 suspects tested negative on a symptom limited maximal exercise test. Though seventeen suspects had an asymptomatic exercise-induced ST depression (> 1.0 mm) their haemodynamic response to exercise and effort tolerance was excellent. Of the twelve subjects who took a repeat exercise test six months later, eleven failed to show ST depression on exercise. We attribute the false positivity of exercise test and its poor reproducibility to labile electrocardiographic changes unmasked by exercise.

3000 routine ECGs were screened during a 2 year period in Armed Forces personnel reporting for annual medical examination. 90 asymptomatic men with minor ST segment and T wave changes at rest were assessed by exercise ECG. 33 responded abnormally. They were subjected to coronary arteriography. 14 subjects were confirmed to have coronary artery disease (CAD). 19 subjects had a false positive response and assuming a false negative response of 2%, a sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 74.3% and a positive predictive value of 42.4% is obtained for exercise ECG. A positive predictive value of 15.5% is obtained for the resting ECG.

A community based epidemiological study of coronary heart disease (CHD) was carried out in a random sample of 13723 adults in the age group of 25-64 years in the urban population of Delhi. The electrocardiogram (ECG) of all clinically detected CHD cases and of a sample of 5621 persons (selected on the basis of alternate household screened) without clinical manifestations of CHD, was obtained. Out of 5621 persons labelled as asymptomatic, CHD evidence of Q wave myocardial infarction (MI) was present in 80 ECGs (1.4%). Another 296 ECGs had ST & T changes vide Minnesota Code 4-1-1, 4-1-2, 5-1 and 5-2 acceptable as evidence of probable CHD. The overall prevalence rate of asymptomatic CHD was 6.7% (male 5.6%, female 7.6%). Silent MI was more common in the male patients (1.7% vs 1.1%, p < 0.001). However, ST-T changes were more common in female patients (6.5% vs 3.9%, p < 0.001). The ST-T changes showed a steady factor in asymptomatic CHD cases was hypertension in both sexes (male-45.2%, female-43.5%) p = NS. Obesity was present in 24% of male & 46.1% of female patients (p < 0.001). Family history was found in 20% cases of both sexes. Smoking was recorded in 34.9% male and 10.9% female patients with asymptomatic CHD (p < 0.001).

Clinical and risk factor profile of 101 consecutive female patients subjected to coronary angiography was analysed. Coronary angiography showed single vessel disease (SVD) in 15.8 per cent, double vessel disease (DVD) in 12.9 per cent, triple vessel disease (TVD) in 39.6 per cent and normal coronary arteries (NC) in 30.7 per cent. Risk factor profile in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease (group II) included hypertension (HT) in 52.9 per cent, diabetes mellitus (DM) in 44.3 per cent, post menopausal state in 84.3 per cent, positive family history in 51.4 per cent, obesity in 58.3 per cent, low density and high density lipoprotein ratio (LDL/HDL) more than 3.0 in 58 per cent and smoking in 4.3 per cent. Risk factors in 31 patients with NC (group I) included HT in 29 per cent, DM in 6.5 per cent, positive family history in 45.2 per cent, obesity in 45.2 per cent, post menopausal state in 48.4 per cent, LDL/HDL ratio more than 3.0 in 30 per cent and smoking in none. The clinical presentation in group II was unstable angina in 64.3 per cent, stable angina pectoris in 24.3 per cent, myocardial infarction in 4.3 per cent and atypical chest pain in 2.8 per cent. In group I half the patients presented with atypical chest pain. The other modes of presentation included unstable angina 25.8 per cent, stable angina pectoris in 16.2 per cent and myocardial infarction in 6.5 per cent. Predictive value of exercise electrocardiography (Ex ECG) or exercise radionuclide studies (Ex RNU) was 61.7 and 68.4 per cent respectively. DM, post-menopausal state and LDL/HDL ratio more than 3 were significant risk factors in women.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The prevalence of ECG abnormalities indicating the presence of coronary heart disease was examined in the Melanesian (444 men and 457 women) and Asian Indian (408 men and 435 women) population living in Fiji. The aim of the present analysis was to determine the levels of coronary risk factors in people with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or normal glucose tolerance. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities suggesting coronary heart disease (Q-waves, ST-depression or T-wave changes) was higher among women than men and among Asian Indians than Melanesians. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities was highest in diabetic subjects, intermediate in people with IGT and lowest in people who had normal glucose tolerance. People with IGT were more likely than others to have high risk factor levels. In people with IGT the increased levels of other coronary risk factors might explain a great deal of the increased prevalence of the ECG abnormalities as compared with the prevalence in those with normal glucose tolerance. Also in diabetic subjects, the levels of other coronary risk factors were increased in those who had ECG abnormalities, but not more than was the case with IGT, so that diabetes itself seemed to remain as the major identified risk factor for ECG abnormalities. The prevalence of diabetes in our study populations, especially in Asian Indians, was very high. This suggests that diabetes is the major risk factor for coronary heart disease in such populations.