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Epidemiology of coronary artery disease among Hansen's patients
Insights
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is more prevalent in Hansen
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hansen's disease (leprosy) can impact various physiological systems.
- Understanding cardiovascular health in Hansen's patients is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its risk factors in Hansen's patients (HP's).
- To compare CHD prevalence in HP's with non-Hansen's populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a special questionnaire, physical examinations, and electrocardiograms (rest and exercise).
- Conducted biochemical and hematologic investigations.
- Assessed 475 Hansen's patients.
Main Results:
- CHD prevalence was 10.92%, higher than in non-Hansen's populations.
- Key risk factors identified were age, obesity, and hypertension.
- No significant difference in CHD prevalence between institutionalized and non-institutionalized HP's.
Conclusions:
- Hansen's patients exhibit a higher prevalence of CHD.
- Hypertension, obesity, and psychological factors may contribute to CHD development in this population.
- Age remains a significant risk factor for CHD in Hansen's patients.
Abstract:
The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its risk factors were studied in 475 Hansen's patients (HP's) by a special questionnaire, physical examination, electrocardiogram at rest and after exercise, and biochemical and hematologic investigations. It was found that the prevalence of CHD (Minnesota codes 1-1 to 1-3 and 4-1) was 10.92%, which is higher than that found in epidemiologic studies of nonHansen's populations. The only CHD risk factors detected were age, obesity, and hypertension. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of CHD between HP's living confined in the institution and those living in their homes. Factors enhancing the development of CHD in this group may include hypertension and obesity as well as psychological factors, which particularly common in these patients, and of course old age.