Coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular disorders among the physicians

To evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), specifically coronary artery disease (CAD), among Thai physicians, and the cardiac testing being used. The associated or risk factors of CAD were also studied.

Data of Thai physicians who participated in the hospital's corporate social responsibility "Save Doctors' Heart" project conducted between February 14, 2022, and October 31, 2022, were collected: personal illness, family history of CAD, workplace, work hours, dietary habits, exercise, stress, body mass index, laboratory and cardiac testing.

Of 1231 physicians, the median age was 48.0 ± 10.34 years, with 55.2% were female; 83.1% reported working <55 h per week, 29.7% exercised ≥3 days a week, and 28.0% were overweight or obese. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were found in 46.3%, 30.5%, and 75.8%, respectively. Abnormal findings were observed in 29.7% of chest X-rays, 17.7% of electrocardiograms, 33.0% of echocardiograms, 10.6% of exercise stress tests, and 3.8% of stress echocardiograms. Moderate/extensive coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores were present in 12.7%. The prevalence of CVDs or CAD were 51.7% and 11.2%, respectively. Independent risk factors for CAD included older age, male gender, history and/or new findings of DM, and moderate to extensive CAC scores.

The prevalence of CVDs and CAD among Thai physicians is 51.7% and 11.2%, respectively. The independent risk for CAD was older age, male, having DM, and moderate to extensive CAC scores. The physicians who are at risk should be cautious, modify their lifestyle, and have appropriate screening/diagnostic testing for cardiac abnormality.