[Prevalence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors in the Great Tunis population].
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to determine the prevalence of main cardiovascular risk factors in the population of Great Tunis.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 2483 individuals aged 35 to 70 years dwelling in the Great Tunis region, recruited between March 2004 and June 2005. The sample was weighted using the inverse of response rate according to governorate, district and sex.


RESULTS
Obesity and abdominal obesity were observed respectively in 34 and 48% of subjects. The prevalence of these two factors was particularly elevated in females (46 and 69% respectively). Hypertension was common (31%), especially in women (36%). Diabetes mellitus and dyslipemia were found in 15 and 21% of subjects, respectively, without difference according to sex. More than half of men and 8% of women were current smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors is dramatically high in the population of Great Tunis. These findings predict a future expansion of cardiovascular diseases in this population. Profound changes of lifestyle and dietary habits of Tunisians are needed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Service de biochimie, hôpital La Rabta de Tunis, 1007 Jebbari, Tunis, Tunisie. monia_elasmi@yahoo.fr
M
M
Elasmi
M
M
Feki
H
H
Sanhaji
R
R
Jemaa
S
S
Haj Taeib
S
S
Omar
A
A
Mebazaa
J
J
El Ati
M
M
Hsairi
N
N
Kaabachi
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014416:Tunisia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population