Objective: To examine the traditional risk factors and biochemical profile of patients with established CAD (coronary artery disease), and compare the trends of these in specified age groups of different populations as depicted in various studies. Methodology: All consecutive patients below 45 years of age, having classical history of Ischemic heart disease and also having definite ECG changes consistent with coronary artery disease were enrolled. These patients were admitted to CCU/Intermediate Coronary Care Unit of Pakistan Ordinance Factories (POF) Hospital Wah Cantonment from April 2007 to December 2011. Patients who had doubtful history as regards CHD and those having ECG changes not classically consistent with CAD were excluded. Information collected through Performa included history including family history and details of risk factors. Clinical examination was carried out and relevant investigations including the serial ECG changes were recorded. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast of 14 hours and tests were done for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol by using Pioneer-USA, linear chemical kits by cholesterol oxidase and enzymatic calometric method. Results: A total of 109 cases were included. Cigarette smoking (46%) Family history (43%), Hypertension (37%), Dyslipidemia (33%), Diabetes mellitus (18%) and above normal BMI (63.3%) are the most common risk factors in our patients. Increased abdominal girth has appeared to be an important risk factor and at occasions is documented to be independent of obesity. Casual dietary habits and sedentary life style are the other less important risk factors. The majority of risk factors were equally prevalent in males as well as females except smoking which was less prevalent in females. Conclusions: Our study shows that Family history, Smoking, Hypertension, increased BMI, increased Abdominal girth, Dyslipidemia and Diabetes Mellitus are the main risk factors. Considering the increasing incidence of the coronary heart disease in our society it is essential to assess and evaluate these risk factors at national level.

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Objectives: Worldwide reduction in emergency procedures has been observed during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  The effects of the pandemic and its associated lockdown on arrhythmia related emergency procedures is not known. This study was done to see the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on provision of emergency arrhythmia procedures and to identify vulnerable patient groups that may be disproportionately affected during lockdown. Methodology: Data for patients requiring emergency intracardiac devices including temporary and permanent pacemakers was collected from three public sector hospitals of Sindh, Pakistan, for the COVID-19 lockdown period of March to May 2020. This was compared to the data for the same period for 2019. Results: Patients presenting during lockdown decreased by 32.8% (from 250 to 168) compared to the same period without lockdown. The decline was across all emergency procedures considered. There was a more than fivefold reduction in the number of patients in patients from outside the metropolitan area of the hospital (64.3%) compared to those residing within the city (12.5%) (p=0.001). There was a trend showing women to be more effected, with the percentage decline in women being statistically significant in the rural setting (-93.8% vs. -52.9%, p=0.043). All age groups were equally affected (p=0.152). Conclusion: A marked reduction in the number of patients who presented for emergency intra cardiac devices and TPM procedures was seen during COVID-19 lockdown. The patients who presented from outside the city of the hospital and women in rural setting were significantly more effected.

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