Epidemiology of coronary artery disease in patients from the district of Żywiec in southern Poland.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of premature mortality both in Poland and worldwide. Among the most severe conditions are acute cardiac events, which pose a direct threat to patients' lives and health. One of these is coronary artery disease, which predisposes individuals to myocardial infarction. Prevention relies primarily on maintaining a well-balanced diet, engaging in daily physical activity and in more severe cases, pharmacotherapy and invasive treatments.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of coronary artery disease among patients of the Cardiology Department in a hospital located in the district of Żywiec in southern Poland.

Material and methods: A survey study was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire consisting of three sections. The sections addressed patients' health status, their quality of life assessment. The study included 158 individuals aged 33-101, of whom only 150 met the selection criteria - being residents of the district of Żywiec. The obtained results were analyzed using correlation coefficients.

Results: Coronary artery disease was diagnosed in 41.8% (N = 66) of patients. The majority were men (N = 44). The highest proportion of the studied group were individuals aged 40 to 80 years (N = 128). A total of 40% (N = 59) of respondents were overweight, 34% (N = 50) were obese, and 26% (N = 38) had a normal body weight. The most common comorbidity was hypertension - affecting 67% (N = 101) of patients - most of whom had not experienced myocardial infarction (57%, N = 58).

Conclusions: Coronary artery disease was more prevalent among men. Arterial hypertension was the most common comorbid condition, confirming its strong association with coronary artery disease. Abnormal body weight is also a significant factor, increasing the risk of developing CHD.