[Risk factors of atherosclerosis: results of screening in Southern Austria].
In the western industrialized countries atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death. In this investigation serum cholesterol and blood pressure were measured in 4321 (60.9% females) inhabitants of Lower Austria. In addition, a short cardiovascular history was taken and age, sex, body weight, height and smoking habits were recorded. In the various villages the mean serum cholesterol differed considerably (194 +/- 52-244 +/- 49 mg/dl). Overall, women had a slightly, but non-significantly, higher serum cholesterol (224.0 +/- 53.5 mg/dl) than men (218.6 +/- 58.4 mg/dl). Although 2/3 of the participants showed an elevated serum cholesterol, only 6% were taking lipid lowering drugs. An age-dependent increase in cholesterol was found in women, whereas this correlation was present in men only until the age of 40. Approximately 30% of the participants reported a positive family history. A comparison with the mortality register showed a correlation between smoking and bronchogenic cancer. No correlation, however, was demonstrable between smoking and cardiovascular mortality--perhaps due to methodological difficulties. Regional analysis of the results indicates the importance of the role of local general practitioners in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Weiss
K
K
Wilhelm-Auerswald-Atheroskleroseforschungsgruppe, Wien.
Katzenschlager
R
R
Egert
H
H
Cajka
P
P
Sinzinger
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001317:Austria; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
Risikofaktoren der Atherosklerose: Ergebnisse eines Screenings in Niederösterreich.