Prevalence and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease Among Diabetic Patients in Urban Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of CAD in diabetic individuals has not been well documented. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CAD and identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors associated with its occurrence in a cohort of diabetic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 diabetic patients attending outpatient clinics in urban Bangladesh. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, and lifestyle behaviors. CAD prevalence was determined through clinical assessments, and logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with CAD. Results: The overall CAD prevalence was 40%. CAD prevalence significantly increased with age, with 70% of individuals over 60 years affected. Males exhibited a higher prevalence (45%) compared to females (33%). The major risk factors for CAD included hypertension (55%), dyslipidemia (60%), obesity (65%), a sedentary lifestyle (50%), unhealthy dietary habits (48%), and current tobacco use (55%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (>60 years), male gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary habits, and current tobacco use were independently associated with CAD. The prevalence of CAD was also higher among individuals with multiple risk factors, with those having four or more risk factors showing a CAD prevalence of 80%. Conclusion: The prevalence of CAD among diabetic patients in urban Bangladesh is high, with age, gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and lifestyle factors contributing significantly to the risk. Targeted interventions addressing these modifiable risk factors are essential to reduce the burden of CAD in this population.