Beyond the burn: An observational study of cardiovascular risk in burn survivors in the north of Iran

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Burn Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Burn injuries cause significant physiological changes impacting long-term cardiovascular health.
• Burn survivors often present with altered lipid profiles and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cardiovascular risk profile in burn survivors.
• To identify associations between CVD risk and various clinical and demographic factors in this population.

Main Methods:

• Observational cohort study of 210 burn survivors with ≥20% TBSA burn injuries.
• Assessment of lipid profiles, Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS), and risk factors (demographics, clinical variables, physical activity).
• Statistical analysis using descriptive and inferential methods.

Main Results:

• Mean age 49.23 years, mean Total Surface Area (TBSA) burned 37.06%.
• 13% of survivors had >20% risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Significant associations found between CVD risk and sex, diabetes, hypertension, BMI, TBSA, years post-burn, physical activity, and LDL levels. LDL, triglycerides, and TC/HDL exceeded desirable levels.

Conclusions:

• Burn survivors exhibit a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Targeted interventions and regular monitoring are essential for managing CVD risk in burn survivors.
• Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors can improve cardiovascular health and quality of life.