Abstract

EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES REGARDING MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE SETTING IN CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJI NAGAR, MAHARASHTRA

Ketaki Sanjay Kalve*, Dr. Ajeya Ukadgaonkar, Anugretha Dhanke, Suhas Dabhade, Pragati Navthar, Harihar Gunge, Shaikh Mehnaz Abhiha, Rucha Patil, Tanaya Joshi, Vaishnavi Kudale, Vinayak Kathar

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension (HT) significantly elevates myocardial infarction (MI) risk, yet preventive practices remain suboptimal in developing regions. This study assessed MI knowledge and prevention practices among hypertensive patients in Aurangabad, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 270 HT patients (aged 20–60 years) at MGM Medical College (Oct 2022–Sept 2023) utilized structured, closed ended (Yes/No) questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Results: Participants were predominantly male (65.5%), aged 41–50 years (30.7%), graduates (34%), and urban residents (75.5%). While 98.1% identified HT as a key MI risk factor, only 45.1% exercised regularly. Critical gaps included prevalent tobacco use (62.2%), infrequent BP monitoring (95.5% checked BP solely during clinic visits), and minimal home BP apparatus ownership (1.4%). Despite self-reported dietary modifications (91.1%), 83.7% regularly consumed high-sodium foods. Conclusion: High MI awareness contrasts with inadequate prevention practices. Systematic Interventions - including accessible home-based BP monitoring, tobacco cessation programs, and culturally tailored lifestyle education—are urgently needed to mitigate MI risk in this population.

Keywords: Myocardial infarction, hypertension, prevention, knowledge, lifestyle, India.