Feasibility of assessing the awareness of cardiovascular risk through Health Passport approach: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: The risk of cardiovascular disorders is high among the Indian population; however, the awareness about it seems to be a concern. Aim: It was intended to study the feasibility of assessing the awareness of cardiovascular risk at a community level and providing the related information about remedial measures through a Health Passport approach. Methods: Consecutive 38 individuals attending health camp were assessed for specific personal and family history of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Current risk factors such as exercise, smoking, drug use, stress, and depression were ascertained, and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure were measured to assess the cardiovascular risk based on Framingham criteria. The individualized information along with some key health facts were provided to the participants in a document termed as Health Passport for their reference. Results: There was a general lack of awareness regarding the cardiovascular risk factors in the studied sample. Most participants were above the threshold for blood pressure (65.8%), BMI (71.1%), and WC (73.7%) requiring specific action and more than half (57.9%) had higher cardiovascular risk. The assessment completed in a community set up with basic facilities could provide information regarding the existing risks prompting health actions. The participants considered the Health Passport as a comprehensive initial step toward improving their awareness. Conclusion: It was feasible to assess the awareness about cardiovascular risk and provide individualized health-related information through the Health Passport approach which appears adaptable in health care setups and may improve the awareness.

Keywords

• Awareness
• cardiovascular
• community
• health
• Health Passport
• India
• risk