Cardiovascular risk factors and life expectancy in India: A retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of adult mortality in India.
• Prevalence of major CVD risk factors is high in the Indian adult population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify major CVD risk factors in Indian adults.
• To assess the association of these risk factors with survival and life expectancy.
• To estimate remaining life expectancy (LE) at age 40.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of electronic health records of 4,812 adults from two tertiary hospitals.
• Utilized Chiang's abridged life table method with Sample Registration System (SRS) background rates.
• Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess mortality risk.

Main Results:

• Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and obesity were prevalent (≥20% each).
• Increased mortality risk was observed with a higher count of risk factors (≥3 vs 0: HR 1.92; p<0.001).
• Estimated LE at 40 decreased from 39.6 years (0 factors) to 33.2 years (≥3 factors).

Conclusions:

• Multiple CVD risk factors are common in Indian adults.
• These risk factors significantly increase mortality and reduce life expectancy.
• There is a critical need for intensified primary prevention strategies for CVD in India.