The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of increasing coronary heart diseases (CHD) among the Indian population in Chatsworth, Kwa Zulu-Natal. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted using non-probability purposive sampling. Respondents were sampled from four medical wards at the RK Khan Hospital. The results of this study indicate that the Indian population is at risk for the development of CHD. Although the increasing rate could not be attributed to a single risk factor, 72% of the respondents had a familial history of CHD and 52% had both parents at risk of CHD. Implementation of the primary prevention programmes recommended by the American Heart Association might reduce the prevalence among the Indian population. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of increasing coronary heart diseases (CHD) among the Indian population in Chatsworth, Kwa Zulu-Natal. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted using non-probability purposive sampling. Respondents were sampled from four medical wards at the RK Khan Hospital. The results of this study indicate that the Indian population is at risk for the development of CHD. Although the increasing rate could not be attributed to a single risk factor, 72% of the respondents had a familial history of CHD and 52% had both parents at risk of CHD. Implementation of the primary prevention programmes recommended by the American Heart Association might reduce the prevalence among the Indian population. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)