PREVALENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN TEHRAN: A REPORT FROM THE HEALTHY HEART PROJECT

Abstract

Background- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a global problem that affects every nation and ethnic group. Concerted efforts at both the societal and individual levels are required to prevent the increasing burden of these diseases. This is a report from the cross sectional survey performed as part of the Healthy Heart Project aimed at prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Tehran. <br /> Methods and Material- We surveyed 2137 subjects (age 35-65 years, mean 47.36±9.03 years) selected by cluster random sampling from Tehran residents. 52.3% of the participants were women.<br /> Results- The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors studied was as follows: hypertension 31.3%, isolated systolic hypertension 8.2%, smoking 13.3%, borderline high total cholesterol 34.3%, high total cholesterol 27.4%, borderline–high LDL 28.4%, high LDL cholesterol 21.2%, low HDL 5.8%, borderline-high triglycerides 26.5%, high triglycerides 4.7%, diabetes mellitus 9.2%, overweight 39.8%, obesity 23.4% and lack of leisure time physical activity 88.9%. Significantly worse risk status was found in women compared with men with regard to obesity, high total and LDL cholesterol and physical inactivity.<br /> Conclusion- The alarming prevalence of risk factors in Tehran population calls for an urgent, organized effort for the implementation of both population-level and individual-level strategies to prevent the ongoing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases