The INTERHEART study identified nine potentially modifiable risk factors accounting for over 90% of the population-attributable risk (PAR) for acute myocardial infarction globally. Which of the following was identified as the MOST protective factor in that study?

• A Moderate alcohol consumption
• B Regular physical activity ✓
• C Vegetable and fruit intake
• D Daily aspirin use

Explanation

The INTERHEART study (Yusuf et al., Lancet 2004) — a case-control study across 52 countries — identified nine risk factors: apolipoprotein B/AI ratio, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, psychosocial stress, lack of fruits/vegetables, lack of physical activity, and alcohol. Regular physical activity had the highest protective PAR (OR 0.86, PAR ~12.2%), followed by vegetable/fruit consumption and moderate alcohol. Aspirin use was not part of the nine factors. The study established that these nine factors explained >90% of MI risk globally across regions, sexes, and ethnic groups, validating a universal prevention approach.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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