Self-reported cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Prevalence in Ontario among women 50 and older.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of self-reported cardiovascular disease and risk factors among Ontario women aged 50 and older.


METHODS
Analysis of the 1990 Ontario Health Survey, a population-based, cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Ontario communities.


METHODS
Residents of Ontario communities during 1990 who responded to the 1990 Ontario Health Survey (61,239 respondents in 35,479 households), weighted to represent the population of Ontario.


METHODS
Reported heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, height and weight, physical activity, and smoking habits.


RESULTS
Nearly 11% of women aged 50 and older report "heart disease"; 24.9% hypertension, and 5.4% diabetes. Women were less likely than men to smoke daily, to smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day, and to be overweight, but were more likely to have lower levels of physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of self-reported heart disease and medical and lifestyle risk factors for heart disease is relatively high among Ontario women aged 50 and older. Physicians and public health officials must keep women in mind when designing or implementing programs or services for heart disease.
Hodgson
C
C
Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Health Department, ON.
Jamieson
E
E
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health