There is an increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Indian men and women of younger ages but research related to CVD risk behaviors in college-going women in India is limited. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among 554 students from two women's colleges in Chennai showed that there was an alarmingly high prevalence of unhealthy diet and inadequate exercise, a moderately high prevalence of psychosocial risk and a low prevalence of tobacco use and alcohol consumption. It is imperative to increase awareness and provide targeted interventions to help our young women adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Home-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) primary prevention (HBPP) and cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) programs which occupied a small proportion of the overall Preventive Cardiology work in the past have become mainstream during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose This study aims to analyse the effectiveness of a home-based CVD prevention program implemented during the pandemic in India. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on pre-pandemic and pandemic enrolees. Health behaviour, CVD risk factors, physical and mental component score (PCS, MCS) from SF-12 questionnaire, body mass index (BMI), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed. A multidisciplinary team consisting of Physician, Physiotherapist, Dietician and Counselling Psychologist provided the program using tele-health platforms. Results Of the 66 subjects (55 ± 13 years, 73% male), 17 (26%) enrolled pre-pandemic and 49 (74%) enrolled during-pandemic, 28 (42%) were HBPP and 38 (58%) were HBCR participants. Majority of the subjects (n = 51, 77%), with significantly more HBCR than HBPP participants, harboured 4 or more risk factors (p = 0.04). In the 60 (91%) program completers, BMI, 6MWD, PCS and MCS had improved significantly. SBP, DBP, LVEF, HbA1c, total cholesterol and LDL had improved significantly in affected subjects. Completely home-based participants (n = 44, 67%) who never had any in-person contact with the team during the program also showed significant improvement. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion Comprehensive home-based CVD prevention programs are effective in improving anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and psychosocial parameters, are a safe alternative to conventional programs and could potentially become the standard-of-care in the post-pandemic era. Abstract Figure. Outcomes in program participants Abstract Figure. Management of ACS in participants
Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality globally, is caused by a combination of behavioral, clinical and genetic risk factors. The rising prevalence of unhealthy diet, inadequate exercise, psychosocial factors and tobacco use in urban and rural populations of India has posed a major epidemiological and healthcare threat in the recent past. Purpose This study aims to understand the cardiovascular health risk behaviors in Indian men and women during the pandemic. Methods A survey-based study was conducted at different time points between April 2020 and August 2021. A pre-tested anonymized self-administered questionnaire was distributed online as a pre-program assessment of participants registering for the health awareness webinars conducted by our team. Demographic data and CVD risk behaviors pertaining to dietary consumption, exercise routine, sedentary behavior, psychosocial factors, sleep pattern, tobacco use and alcohol consumption were collected. Not meeting daily intake of whole grains and at least 4 portions of vegetables and fruits, non-performance of at least 150 minutes of brisk aerobic exercise per week, chronic stress and use of tobacco were considered risky behaviors, as per the international guidelines. Results Of the 573 subjects, 305 (53%) were women and 236 (41%) were 15-30 years old. Majority of subjects were not meeting their requirements pertaining to whole grains (76%) and fruits/vegetables (72%). Inadequate exercise (48%), chronic stress (31%) and tobacco use (5%) were noted. Significantly more women than men (p = 0.0001) were falling short in their exercise requirement. Significantly more men than women (p = 0.0001) were using tobacco products (Figure). Conclusion Cardiovascular risk behaviors are highly prevalent in Indian men and women during the pandemic calling for a coordinated effort to increase awareness and modify to a healthy behavior. Abstract Figure. Risk behaviors in study subjects Abstract Figure. Comparison of risk behaviors
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