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Background and objective Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute a significant global health challenge, causing millions of deaths annually and straining healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to investigate and elucidate gender-specific factors, risks, and therapeutic approaches related to cardiovascular health in women within the context of contemporary medicine. Methodology We conducted a prospective observational study spanning one year (November 2022 to October 2023) at the Peshawar Medical Complex Hospital, to meticulously explore the field of women's cardiovascular health. With a diverse cohort of 435 women (age range: 18-55 years), representing various socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations, our study aimed to elicit comprehensive insights. Through structured interviews covering reproductive history, lifestyle, and psychosocial aspects, coupled with clinical assessments, we gathered multifaceted data. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistics version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). By employing descriptive and t-tests for quantitative analysis and by thematically analyzing qualitative insights, our approach ultimately sought to provide a nuanced understanding of gender-specific factors impacting women's cardiovascular health. Results The study, involving 435 women, revealed various prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Notable findings include a high incidence of a family history of CVD (n=213, 48.96%, p=0.013), hypertension (n=207, 47.58%), hypercholesterolemia (n=114, 26.21%), elevated triglycerides (n=162, 37.24%), and diabetes (n=64, 14.71%). Physical inactivity was also significantly more common (53.56%, p=0.004) compared to those engaging in regular activity. Women-specific risk factors comprised miscarriage (n=191, 43.91%). Therapeutic preferences varied, with a majority opting for lifestyle modifications (n=263, 60.39%) and pharmacological interventions (n=331, 76.33%). Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive understanding of prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, distinctive women-specific contributors, and diverse therapeutic preferences, highlighting the importance of personalized and targeted interventions to optimize women's cardiovascular health outcomes in contemporary medicine.
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Dengue fever, the most prevalent arbovirus disease, has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Dengue fever has the potential to involve the nervous system. Acute transverse myelitis is a life-threatening complication of dengue fever, though rarely reported. We report a case of dengue fever-induced transverse myelitis in a 51-year-old male who presented with progressive paraplegia, sensory disturbance, and urinary retention preceded by a febrile illness, vomiting, and retro-orbital pain two weeks before. His serology was positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) to dengue virus and non-structural protein (NS-1). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense signals suggestive of acute transverse myelitis. After ruling out all other possible causes, a possible diagnosis of dengue fever-induced transverse myelitis was made. His condition improved gradually after starting methylprednisolone.