Knowledge on Symptoms and Risk Factors of Heart Attack among Male Adults in Rural Telangana

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) comprises of a group of diseases of the heart and the vascular system. The major conditions are ischemic heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease (stroke) and congenital heart disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 men with a pre-tested, semi structured questionnaire in order to assess their knowledge regarding Heart Attack. Data collected was analysed using SPSS software.
Results: 98% of the subjects identified Loss of consciousness as a symptom followed by Dizziness / Light headedness (95.2%), Palpitations (93.6%). Majority (96.4%) knew that Hypertension is one of the risk factors followed by Family history (94.4%), Overweight/ Obesity (89.6%), Diabetes (83.4%), Excess fatty food consumption (81.2%).
Conclusions: majority of the men were aware of most of the symptoms and risk factors of heart attack. There is a need from the health care workers to sensitise people about hazards of physical inactivity and smoking.