There are conflicting reports about the role of conventional risk factors in coronary artery disease from some of the studies in India. The present study tried to determine the association of conventional risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and correlate with findings on coronary angiography.

Material and methods: Study was conducted at the PGIMER in 1003 consecutive patients with angiographic proven coronary artery disease. They were assessed for cardiovascular risk factors like age, sex, history of smoking, diabetes, hypertension (physician diagnosed) and family history of CAD. Anthropometric data for height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist hip ratio were recorded using standard methods. Lipid profile and blood sugar estimation was done.

Results: The mean age was 56 ± 10.8 years with 82.8% were males. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of smoking, family history and dyslipidemia were present in 59.6%, 25.8%, 32%, 6.8%, and 56% respectively. Central obesity was seen in 75.6% of male (WHR > 0.90) and 88.3% of female (WHR > 0.80) patients. Single, double and triple vessel disease was present in 50.4%, 28.2% and 16% cases respectively. Types A, B and C lesions were seen in 32.7%, 41.3%, and 37.6% cases respectively. About two fifth (39.8%) cases presented with acute myocardial infarction, 22.4% with unstable angina/NSTEMI and 37.8% with chronic stable angina. Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes, waist hip ratio and raised triglycerides were significantly associated with increasing severity of lesion. Further diabetes also showed significant association with increased vessel wall involvement. Health promotion programmes focusing on conventional risk factors and secondary prevention focusing on early diagnosis, management and lifestyle modifications may be the key interventions for prevention and control of CAD.