A community-based study into the possible reasons for the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in the west Highland District of Lochaber.
Cardiovascular screening of 726 males in a Fort William group practice was undertaken in an effort to determine possible causes for the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in the area. Sixty-four per cent of those sampled were born outside the area. The mean fasting plasma cholesterol level was surprisingly low at 5.4 mmol/l. Forty-three per cent of the sample were smokers and 22% had diastolic blood pressures above 90 mm Hg, 24% were clinically obese and 29% had a history of ischaemic heart disease amongst first degree relatives. Public awareness of cardiovascular risk factors was found to be low. A local health education programme could prove to be of great benefit.
Belford Hospital, Fort William.
D B
DB
Brown
S
S
Sen
C
C
Robinson
H L
HL
Roy
G J
GJ
Brown
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology