Perception and Behaviors of Relatives of People with Premature Coronary Heart Disease

Familial aggregation of coronary heart disease (CHD) is thought to account for 50% to 60% of total documented CHD before the age of 60 years. First-degree relatives of people with premature CHD (proband) exhibit a risk that is 2 to 12 times greater than that of the general population. This descriptive study was undertaken during November- December 2012 among 100 first degree relatives to assess the perception and behaviors of relatives of people with premature coronary heart disease. Analysis revealed that only 40% of the relatives noted cancer as their greatest health concern and only 23%percieved heart disease as their greatest health concerns; 50% identified road traffic accident as the leading cause of death in India. Only 17% were concerned of getting future heart attacks and 15% perceived their risk of getting heart attack is more than other people in the general population.

Prevalence of unhealthy behaviors were found to be high; as 18% were currently using tobacco in any form,18% using alcohol on regular basis, physical inactivity at work (65%)and leisure (85%)poor dietary habits. Prevalence of high mental stress was also observed. Findings warrants risks factor education and reduction programs among relatives of people with CHD They form an ideal target population for primary prevention of CHD in high-risk patients.