Factors Affecting Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases among Hotel Employees in Udupi District, Karnataka

Context: Several research has indicated the increasing morbidity and mortality across the globe. Diet, lifestyle habits, stress are the most common risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Hotel employees have been reported to have increased workload and stress which increases their risk to CVD related morbidity and mortality. This paper is a pilot study of the cross-sectional research study undertaken to identify risk factors associated with CVD risk among hotel employees in Udupi district of Karnataka. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information pertaining to medical history, lifestyle habits, stress, sleep, bowel toxicity, inflammation and pain, blood glucose, blood lipids, diet, blood pressure and weight status. Research identified abnormal blood sugar levels, lipid profile, high blood pressure, high waist circumference and lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption as common risk factors among hotel employees. Over 69% had moderate to high risk of CVD due to the above mentioned risk factors. A good diet and lifestyle management can modify these risk factors and reduce risk of CVD among hotel employees.