Abstract

This study was designed to investigate risk of ischemic heart disease in different social classes of healthy Pakistani population above 40 years of age. We stratified healthy Pakistani population into 5 social classes according to their life style and work profile. Different baseline parameters and serum markers were measured to investigate risk factors and to determine the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) over next 10 years in different social classes. Baseline measurement of IHD risk factors were obtained from 100 healthy volunteers (age range >40 years). Physical and biochemical parameters namely fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, total cholesterol (TCH), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure were investigated. The volunteers were divided into five social classes on the basis of their job profile and life style. IHD risk calculation was done with risk prediction chart for non-diabetic patients as recommended by British heart association. The mean value of serum cholesterol in healthy volunteers was 195.43± 5.22 mg/dl, mean TG, 250.4± 12.4 mg/dl, mean HDL, 83.63± 5.32 mg/dl, mean LDL, 113.88± 4.42 mg/dl, mean FBS, 85.66± 2.98 mg/dl and for the mean BMI was 24.61 ± 0.410 Kg/m². Our data shows that social class IV (labors and hard workers) has significantly lower BMI as compared to class I, II and III and significantly lower FBS as compared to class I. Social class V (farmers) has significantly lower total cholesterol as compared to class I and II and TG in class III were lower as compared to class I. Cumulative IHD risk >30% over next 10 years was significantly lower in class V as compared to class I (p-value <0.05). Cumulative IHD risk >30% over next 10 years was 10 % in Pakistani population. Social class V has significantly lower IHD risk >30% over next 10 years.

Key words: Ischemic heart disease, body mass index, lipid profile, social classes.