Overview of the Characteristics of CHD Sufferers

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 130 views

Characteristics of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Who Were Hospitalized at Dr. Pirngadi Medan in 2017

Introduction

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant health concern worldwide, including in Indonesia. According to the basic health research data in 2013, CHD ranked seventh among the most non-communicable diseases in Indonesia. This condition is alarming, considering CHD is the number one cause of death globally. CHD occurs due to blockages in the coronary blood vessels, resulting in a disrupted blood supply to the heart muscle. In 2018, the prevalence of CHD in Indonesia reached 1.5%, while in North Sumatra, the figure reached 1.3%.

Background

Research conducted at Dr. Pirngadi Medan in 2017 aimed to examine the characteristics of CHD sufferers who were hospitalized. This study employed a descriptive design with a Case Series approach, analyzing data from 107 patient medical records. The research aimed to provide valuable insights into the characteristics of CHD sufferers in Dr. Pirngadi Medan, which can be used to inform strategies for preventing and handling CHD.

Overview of the Characteristics of CHD Sufferers

Data analysis revealed that the characteristics of CHD sufferers who were hospitalized in Dr. Pirngadi Medan in 2017 were dominated by age groups over 55 years (69.2%). The majority of CHD sufferers were male (64.5%), with Islam (59.8%) being the most prevalent religion. Most CHD sufferers had been married (77.6%) and had the latest SLTA/equivalent education (62.6%). The most common occupation was housewives (28.0%), and most CHD sufferers came from outside the city of Medan (57.9%).

Main Complaints Experienced by CHD Sufferers

The main complaint most often experienced by patients with CHD was chest pain (45.8%). Approximately 40.2% of CHD sufferers did not have a history of previous diseases, while 38.3% suffered from stage 2 hypertension. The average length of hospital stay was 6 days. At the time of returning home, 40.2% of patients were referred to medical treatment, and 92.5% used BPJS as a source of costs.

Further Analysis Results

Further analysis using the Chi-Square test revealed some interesting findings. First, there was no difference in the proportion of CHD patients based on gender, indicating that the chances of men and women being attacked by CHD were relatively the same. Second, there was no significant difference between inpatient lengths based on the history of previous diseases, showing that the history of previous disease did not affect the length of hospital inpatients. Finally, there was no significant difference between the history of previous disease and the patient's condition when returning home, indicating that the history of previous disease did not affect the patient's condition when discharged from the hospital.

Recommendations to Increase Awareness and Service

The results of this study provide an important picture of the characteristics of CHD sufferers in Dr. Pirngadi Medan. The importance of prevention and early detection of CHD is very crucial. Here are some recommendations that can be taken from the results of this study:

Increasing Public Awareness: Health and education campaigns need to be conducted to increase public awareness about CHD, especially in age groups over 55 years. People need to understand the risk factors of CHD such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity. In addition, regular health checks can help detect CHD early on.

The Role of the Hospital in Improving Services: RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan is expected to improve the quality of recording the patient's medical records, especially related to medical conditions, conditions when returning home, and history of previous diseases. This information is very important to help doctors in determining appropriate therapy and treatment for CHD sufferers.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable information about the characteristics of CHD sufferers in Dr. Pirngadi Medan. These results can be used as a reference to increase efforts to prevent and handle CHD in the future. With good cooperation between the community and health workers, it is expected that the incidence of CHD in Indonesia can be reduced, and the quality of life of the community can be improved.

Limitations of the Study

This study had some limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital. Therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other hospitals or populations. Additionally, the study relied on medical records, which may not provide a comprehensive picture of the patients' characteristics.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate this study in other hospitals and populations to increase the generalizability of the results. Additionally, studies should focus on developing effective strategies for preventing and handling CHD, particularly in high-risk populations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Q: What is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)?

A: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition where the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque. This can lead to a heart attack or other complications.

Q: What are the risk factors for CHD?

A: The risk factors for CHD include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Family history of CHD
Age (men over 45, women over 55)
Diabetes

Q: What are the symptoms of CHD?

A: The symptoms of CHD can include:

Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Cold sweats
Lightheadedness or dizziness

Q: What is the difference between a heart attack and CHD?

A: A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is completely blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. CHD, on the other hand, is a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, but it may not necessarily lead to a heart attack.

Q: How is CHD diagnosed?

A: CHD is diagnosed through a combination of:

Medical history
Physical examination
Blood tests (e.g., lipid profile, blood sugar)
Imaging tests (e.g., electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, coronary angiogram)
Stress tests (e.g., treadmill test, stress echocardiogram)

Q: What are the treatment options for CHD?

A: The treatment options for CHD include:

Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
Medications (e.g., statins, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors)
Angioplasty (a procedure to widen the narrowed or blocked coronary artery)
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery
Heart transplant (in severe cases)

Q: Can CHD be prevented?

A: Yes, CHD can be prevented or delayed through:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in regular physical activity
Eating a balanced diet
Not smoking
Managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Getting regular check-ups and screenings

Q: What is the prognosis for CHD patients?

A: The prognosis for CHD patients depends on the severity of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment, and the patient's overall health. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many CHD patients can lead active and healthy lives.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of CHD?

A: To reduce your risk of CHD, you can:

Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in regular physical activity
Eat a balanced diet
Not smoke
Manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Get regular check-ups and screenings
Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats
Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Q: What is the role of hospitals in preventing and treating CHD?

A: Hospitals play a crucial role in preventing and treating CHD by:

Providing education and awareness about CHD
Conducting screenings and check-ups
Offering treatment options (e.g., medications, angioplasty, CABG surgery)
Providing follow-up care and support
Encouraging lifestyle changes and healthy habits

Q: What can I do to support a loved one with CHD?

A: To support a loved one with CHD, you can:

Educate yourself about CHD
Encourage them to follow their treatment plan
Help them make lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
Offer emotional support and encouragement
Help them manage stress and anxiety
Accompany them to doctor's appointments and follow-up care