SILENT CRISIS: RISING INCIDENCE OF HEART ATTACKS IN JAMMU & KASHMIR - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Tamjeed Allam Bhat, Dr. Shyamal Koley*
ABSTRACT
The rising incidence of heart attacks has emerged as a major public health concern, particularly in specific regions. This study systematically reviewed and synthesized evidence on prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes associated with this trend in Jammu & Kashmir, India. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. A total of 27 studies were included, with 13 eligible for meta-analysis. Pooled estimates showed significant associations between major modifiable risk factors and heart attack incidence, including hypertension (OR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.72–2.68; I² = 58%), smoking (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.95–3.16; I² = 61%), diabetes (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.45–2.32; I² = 52%), and sedentary lifestyle (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.28–2.18; I² = 49%). The overall pooled risk was significantly elevated (RR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.58–2.34; I² = 64%). Subgroup analyses indicated higher risk among older adults and males, with regional variability observed. These findings highlight the critical role of modifiable risk factors and emphasize the need for targeted prevention and early intervention to reduce cardiovascular burden.
Keywords: Heart attack; Cardiovascular disease; Risk factors; Systematic review; Meta-analysis; Public health.
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