Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 32% of all annual deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The risk of cholesterol-related CVD is notably higher in South Asian (SA) populations, with a four-fold increase compared to other ethnic groups. Additionally, 75% of all CVD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare resources are limited and access to care is often challenging.

In Pakistan, the situation is equally concerning. In 2018, coronary heart disease (CHD) accounted for 20% of all deaths, and Pakistan ranked 18th globally in terms of cardiac mortality. The country also faces a high burden of CVD risk factors such as hypertension (affecting 50% of the adult population) and diabetes (17.1%). A troubling trend is the increasing occurrence of CVD in younger individuals, as highlighted by the INTERHEART study, which found that 10.6% of South Asians who suffered a heart attack were under 40 years of age.

About the PAK-SEHAT Project

PAK-SEHAT (Pakistan Study of Premature Coronary Atherosclerosis in Young Adults) is a groundbreaking 10-year nationwide longitudinal study, a collaboration between Getz Pharma and Tabba Heart Institute. This study focuses on assessing the risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) among young, healthy individuals under 40 years of age from selected urban and rural areas of Pakistan. The objective is to detect early signs of coronary atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in the arteries, before it leads to clinical cardiovascular disease.

PAK-SEHAT will recruit participants who are free from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and asymptomatic, allowing for an in-depth analysis of their risk factors. The study will follow participants for at least five years to document the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and track any progression.

Currently, most data on ASCVD prevalence in South Asia comes from India, leaving the Pakistani population underrepresented in global research. There is also no comprehensive database on the risk factors specific to Pakistanis, making it difficult to assess the likelihood of developing ASCVD in this population. With the growing burden of cardiovascular disease, there is a critical need for primary prevention and early screening for ASCVD in Pakistan. PAK-SEHAT aims to address this gap by focusing on early intervention, particularly in younger individuals.

Objectives of the PAK-SEHAT Study

The main objectives of the PAK-SEHAT study are:

1. To assess the presence and extent of coronary atherosclerosis in young Pakistani men and women who do not yet have clinical cardiovascular disease.
2. To understand the impact of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis on cardiovascular events over a five-year period. This will involve using advanced diagnostic tools such as cardiac CT angiography (CTA) and other tests to track participants’ health and improve cardiovascular prevention strategies for the younger population.

Potential Impact of the Study

The PAK-SEHAT study has the potential to provide valuable insights into cardiovascular health in Pakistan. The results will help inform future health policies and enable early interventions for individuals at risk of developing ASCVD. By targeting younger generations and focusing on early detection, the study aims to reduce the future burden of cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan.

Getz Pharma and Tabba Heart Institute are leading this important initiative, which will contribute to expanding the research database in Pakistan. Additionally, the study will emphasize the importance of early screening and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, improving the overall health of the population.

In summary, the PAK-SEHAT study represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing cardiovascular health crisis in Pakistan. By focusing on early detection and prevention, this research will help mitigate the future impact of cardiovascular diseases on the Pakistani population.