Prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in an urban industrial population in south India: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading cause of death in developing countries including India. The huge burden of CVD in Indian subcontinent is the consequence of the large population and high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. This study was done to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in two industrial units in Chennai, India.


METHODS
Survey of behavioural risk factors using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were done for the study population. Blood samples were collected for the fasting plasma glucose and serum cholesterol. Trend chi-square was employed to test the linear trend.


RESULTS
The total study population included 2262 male subjects. Blood samples were collected for 2148 (95.0%) subjects. Age range was 18-69 years. Prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors was: current smokers 462 (20.2%), body mass index > or = 23 kg/m2 1510 (66.8%), central obesity 1589 (70.2%), hypertension 615 (27.2%), diabetes mellitus 350(16.3%) and total cholesterol > or = 200mg/dl in 650(30.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
The study results indicated high prevalence of behavioural risk factors, central obesity, hypertension and diabetes in a select group of middle and high-income young urban males. The long-term follow-up in such settings will provide an opportunity to understand the influence of risk factors on cardiovascular disease outcomes.
Kaur
P
P
National Institute of Epidemiology, Indian Council of Medical research, Plot R-127, 3rd Avenue, Ambattur Housing Board, Phase I and II, Chennai, India.
Rao
T V
TV
Sankarasubbaiyan
S
S
Narayanan
A M
AM
Ezhil
R
R
Rao
Sudha Ramachandra
SR
Gupte
M D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007221:Industry; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity; D050177:Overweight; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population