Background: Atherosclerosis represents a major global health burden and underlies most cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Understanding the distribution and contribution of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in various atherosclerotic conditions is crucial for tailored prevention strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and pattern of atherosclerosis-associated risk factors among Egyptian patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Methods: This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted over 12 months (August 2023 to July 2024) at Benha University Hospital. A total of 1,000 adult patients (CAD = 317; CVD = 301; PAD = 382) with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were enrolled from outpatient and inpatient departments. Clinical data, anthropometric measurements, cardiovascular risk factors, and laboratory profiles were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square and ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age, gender distribution, residence, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) showed no statistically significant differences among the disease groups. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia were prevalent but similarly distributed across CAD, CVD, and PAD (p > 0.05). There was significant vascular comorbidity overlap (p < 0.001) between the groups. Laboratory parameters including fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels did not differ significantly among the groups.
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