Risk Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases among Adults Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major cause of death in Anambra state. This study aims to examine the association between risk factors and CVD among adult patients in Anambra state between years 2015 and 2022. This is a cross-sectional study that utilizes the 2015 and 2022 data on patients admitted and examined at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. A total of 5267 and 4371 patients’ records in 2015 and 2022 respectively were included. Over weight and obesity (BMI) were considered the most prevalent CVD risk factor, followed by hypertension. Compared to females, males were 1.48 times more likely to have CVD in 2015 which increased in 2022. Compared to non-alcohol consumers, those that take alcohol every day were 0.74 times more likely in 2015 and 0.35 times more likely in 2017 to have CVD. Compared to non-smokers, every day smokers were 1.87 times more likely in 2015 and 3.08 times more likely in 2022 to have CVD. Persons with high cholesterol compared to low cholesterol were 2.45 times more likely in 2015 and 1.54 times more likely in 2022 to have CVD. Furthermore, persons with hypertension compared to non-hypertensive persons were 3.61 times more likely in 2015 and 5.17 times more likely in 2022 to have CVD, and those with diabetes status compared with non-diabetic persons were 2.95 times more likely in 2015 and 2.01 times more likely in 2022 to have CVD. Preventable cardiovascular risk factor should be prime target of both public health and healthcare providers across the state and the entire nation.