Knowledge about risk factors, symptoms and diet pertaining to cardiac disease among rural population of Tamil Nadu

The prevalence of Cardiovascular Vascular Disease is increasing rapidly and has become a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in both developing and developed countries. Demographic transitions, adoption of unhealthy lifestyles and diet, sedentary occupations and even ignorance has contributed to this epidemic. However, there are very few existing studies determining the awareness of CVD and its risk factors among general population. We studied 640 patients from one subset of rural Chennai to determine the essential knowledge on various aspects of coronary artery disease. Most of our patients were aware that chest pain, sweating, palpitation, increased consumption of fatty and oily food, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking were associated with heart disease. What was surprising was that majority did not know that dyspnea, edema and oliguria could occur in Cardiovascular Vascular Disease. Many did not know that avoidance of sedentary lifestyle was heart healthy and almost 50% of the study population were unaware that consumption of increased amount of green leafy vegetables and could prevent heart disease. Half of the study population did not recognise that family history of premature cardiovascular disease could predispose to the same in the offspring. Methods to Increase this awareness and follow up programs to monitor whether they are implemented could go a long way to reduce the prevalence of the disease.