A recent study by the Directorate of Public Health indicates that 1 in 100 people in Tamil Nadu face a high risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, whether fatal or non-fatal. Additionally, over 20% of the population is at moderate risk. The study used WHO-ISH risk prediction charts to assess 1,260 individuals at a primary health centre in Trichy.

These charts evaluate the 10-year risk of a major cardiovascular event based on factors like age, gender, blood pressure, smoking habits, cholesterol levels, and diabetes status. Dr. T S Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, commented on the findings, stating, "This assessment method has proven effective, and we plan to extend its use to larger groups like those under the makkalai thedi maruthuvam scheme to enhance individualized healthcare."

Published in the state public health journal, the study's participants were predominantly women aged between 40 to 44 years. Obesity was observed in 60% of them, and high cholesterol levels were found in half. Smoking, a known risk factor for heart issues, was prevalent in 5% of the participants.

The study also revealed that 20% had diabetes, 39% had pre-hypertension, 17% had stage 1 hypertension, and 5% had stage 2 hypertension. Dr. S Kothandaraman, the study's first author and District Programme Officer (Trichy) for non-communicable Diseases, highlighted that 76% were at lower risk, 23% at moderate risk, and 1% at high risk for cardiovascular events over the next decade based on the WHO/ISH charts.

Dr. Kothandaraman emphasized the charts' utility in predicting cardiovascular risks, aligning with studies conducted both in India and internationally. He concluded that the risk assessment provided by these charts would aid in categorizing individuals and facilitating preventive measures against cardiovascular events.