Aim: This study examined the prevalence of coronary risk factors and significant predictors of coronary artery disease (CAD) in one of the poorest states of Eastern India among a unique ethnic urban population that is experiencing changing lifestyle patterns.

Methods: A multi-stage probability sampling from a sampling frame of 37 electoral wards geographically representative of the urban population of Berhampur, with a population of 307,724 in 2001, was based on an estimated sample of 1200 with adequate power. One thousand one hundred and seventy eight subjects (590 males; 588 females) P20 years of age were finally selected. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, physiological, behavioral, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were ascertained using interviewer-completed questionnaires and appropriate clinical examinations. Both descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: The overall prevalence of CAD was 10%. The main coronary risk factor prevalence rates were: hypertension (37%); smoking (27%); hypercholesterolemia (23%); diabetes (16%); central obesity (49%); physical inactivity levels (34%); and 47% had low HDL levels. Overall, age, central obesity, hypertension (adjusted odds ratio: 2.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.4; 3.4), physical inactivity levels and diabetes in females alone were significant predictors of CAD.

Conclusions: A high CAD prevalence of 10%, with higher rates of some classical cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and physical inactivity levels, reinforce the need for a comprehensive CAD prevention and control program. This is the first study conducted in one of the poorest states within the fold of an emerging economy, clearly suggesting the ubiquitous nature of the CAD epidemic.