ASSESSING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL HEALTH DETERMINANTS AND COMORBIDITIES IN RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to assess the association between personal health determinants (smoking, BMI) and cardiovascular risk, and to evaluate the influence of comorbidities (hypertension, dyslipidemia) on cardiovascular risk, and to explore the personal health determinants and comorbidities predicting cardiovascular risk in T2D patients using clinical data from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was  conducted from 450 T2D patients at Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and Jinnah Memorial Hospital over December 2024 – May 2025. Data collection involved extracting relevant patient information using medical records from the diabetes and cardiology units of these hospitals. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests (p < 0.05), and Multiple Linear Regression to assess the objectives of study. Results: The study showed 50.0% of diabetes patients predominantly in 5-10 years, 60.0% male predominance, and 40.0% people in 40–50 age group, with a 45.1% cardiovascular event prevalence. Smoking (p = 0.003) and BMI ≥30 (p = 0.012) were significantly associated with a 56.1% and 52.6% event rate, respectively. Hypertension (p = 0.006) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.027) showed event rates of 49.1% and 49.8%, respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that smoking and hypertension are strong predictors causing cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant association of obesity and dyslipidemia on cardiovascular risk in T2D patients in Rawalpindi, with smoking and hypertension as strong predictors so, underscoring the need for integrated, region-specific interventions to reduce the 45.1% event rate and improve clinical outcomes.