Project Title: Assessment of Cardiovascular (CVD) Risk Factors among
Occupational Groups using WHO Risk Prediction Charts
1. Introduction & Rationale
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. In India, the
transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapid.
• The Problem: Shopkeepers and bank employees often lead sedentary lifestyles
with high stress and irregular eating habits.
• The Goal: Early identification of "at-risk" individuals using non-invasive tools can
prevent catastrophic events like MI (Myocardial Infarction) or Stroke.
2. Aims and Objectives
• Primary: To estimate the 10-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event
using the WHO CVD Risk Charts.
• Secondary: 1. To correlate BMI and Waist-to-Hip ratio with blood pressure.
2. To assess the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use in the study group.
3. To provide on-spot health counseling (Brief Intervention).
3. Methodology (The "Practical" Heart)
This is where your marks are earned. You must describe your tools and techniques with
clinical precision.
A. Study Design
• Type: Cross-sectional, observational study.
• Setting: Local markets (for shopkeepers) or bank branches.
• Sample Size: Aim for 30–50 participants (feasible for an MBBS student).
B. Tools Required
1. Sphygmomanometer: (Aneroid or Digital) for Blood Pressure.
2. Stadiometer & Weighing Scale: For BMI calculation.
3. Measuring Tape: For Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR).
4. WHO CVD Risk Charts: Specifically the version for your region (e.g., South
Asia/India).
C. Clinical Parameters & Grading
You must document how you measured each factor:
• Blood Pressure: Use the average of two readings taken 5 minutes apart. Classify
using JNC-8 criteria.
• BMI: Calculated as $Weight (kg) / Height (m)^2$.
• WHR: Abdominal obesity is defined as $>0.90$ for men and $>0.85$ for women
(WHO standards).
4. Data Collection & Analysis
Create a "Proforma" (Data sheet) for each participant.
Participant Smoking Systolic Risk Category (WHO
Age/Sex BMI
ID Status BP Chart)
001 45/M Yes 150 mmHg 28.2 10-20% (Medium)
Statistical Analysis for Distinction:
Do not just list numbers. Perform a Chi-Square Test to see if "Years of Service"
correlates with "Hypertension." This shows the examiners you understand Bio-
statistics.
5. The "Intervention" (High-Value Add)
A great MBBS project doesn't just collect data; it helps people.
• Health Education: For every participant, explain their risk.
• Leaflets: Distribute a simple "Heart Healthy" pamphlet (DASH diet, salt
reduction, 30 mins of walking).
• Referral: If you find a participant with a BP $>160/100$ mmHg, provide a formal
referral note to the nearest PHC/Hospital.
6. Discussion & Conclusion
Compare your findings with the NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey) data.
• Example: "While NFHS-5 suggests a 24% hypertension rate in adults, my study
found 35% among shopkeepers, likely due to prolonged sitting and high caffeine
intake."
7. Annexures (The Essentials)
1. Informed Consent Form: Written in both English and the local language.
2. References: Use Vancouver style (e.g., Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social
Medicine).
3. Photographs: Photos of you measuring BP or height (ensure participants' faces
are blurred for ethics).
How to get a Distinction (Gold Medalist Tips):
• The "So What?" Factor: In your viva, explain why your project matters for the
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
• The WHO Chart: Be ready to explain how to use the chart. It uses Age, Sex,
Smoking status, Systolic BP, and (optionally) Cholesterol.