Prevalence of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors in middle aged males in a defined population in central Sri Lanka.
In a cross-sectional survey, we estimated the prevalence of coronary heart disease in a sample of 975 middle-aged males (35-59 years), from a defined population in the Central province of Sri Lanka using the London School of Hygiene cardiovascular questionnaire and a 12-lead electrocardiogram. The estimated prevalence rates were: (a) Definitive evidence of ischemic heart disease (positive symptoms and ECG changes of ischemia), 16/1000 (95% C.L., 9-27). (b) Evidence of coronary heart disease based on history alone 54/1000 (95% C.L., 40-71). (c) Estimate based on ECG changes of ischemia without symptoms 32/1000 (95% C.L., 21-46). Median values for major risk factors were: systolic blood pressure 120 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 88 mmHg, serum cholesterol 4.99 mmol/l, high density lipoproteins 0.99 mmol/l and body-mass index 20.4 kg/m2. About half (57.9%) the subjects were current smokers, 17% had actual hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure > 94 mmHg and/or been treated for hypertension), 12.6% had hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol levels > 6.5 mmol/l), 18.4% had a body-mass index > 24 kg/m2 and 5.8% were diabetic. Hypercholesterolemia (> 6.5 mmol/l), a higher body-mass index (> 24 kg/m2) and diabetes were more prevalent among subjects living in an urban rather than a rural environment.
Mendis
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Department of Medicine, Peradeniya Faculty of Medicine/Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Ekanayake
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EM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population