Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment of Adults in Mid to Late Life Attending Outpatient Clinics in West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for 32% of global deaths, with a significant share occurring prematurely in low- and middle-income countries such as India. Adults in mid-to late life face increased vulnerability due to cumulative exposure to behavioral and metabolic risk factors. Early identification of at-risk individuals can enable timely preventive interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the 10-year CVD risk and identify associated factors among adults aged 40-74 years attending a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2024 among 221 adults aged 40-74 years, excluding those with preexisting CVD or severe comorbidities. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested schedule. The World Health Organization/ISH nonlaboratory-based risk prediction chart was used to estimate 10-year CVD risk. Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of moderate-to-high CVD risk.

RESULTS

The median age was 53 years; 46.1% were aged 40-50 years. Overweight or obesity affected 47.9% of participants, 38.9% had prehypertension, and 19.5% had Stage II hypertension. Moderate (10-<20%) CVD risk was present in 25.7%, while 0.7% had high risk (≥30%). Psychological distress increased the odds of moderate-to-high CVD risk (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-3.71), while moderate-to-high intensity physical activity was protective (AOR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19-0.82).

CONCLUSION

Among mid-to late-life adults, obesity, elevated blood pressure, and psychological distress were common, with over one-quarter at moderate 10-year CVD risk. Integrating mental health support and promoting physical activity into midlife health programs could reduce future CVD burden.