Correlation between fasting blood sugar and resting blood pressure in teachers residing in Shiraz, Iran 2009

Coronary Artery Disease [CAD] is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. The knowledge about correlation between the different risk factors of CAD provides valuable information for prediction and prevention of the disease in a specific population.The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between fasting blood sugar [FBS] and resting blood pressure in teachers residing in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 3115 teachers from different educational centers of Shiraz, Iran were interviewed in this cross sectional study. The data obtained comprised demographic information including age, sex, and history of hypertension [HTN], diabetes mellitus [DM], and current use of medications. Other parameters measured were height, weight, fasting blood sugar [FBS] and resting blood pressure [BP] as well as calculating the body mass index [BMI]. Out of all the cases studied, undiagnosed and/or untreated cases of diabetes and hypertension were 1.5% and 15.2% respectively. FBS was higher in the elderly and in cases with higher BMI, but without any significant difference in relation to sex. The prevalence of HTN was higher in males, in older cases and in those with higher BMI. A significant relationship was observed between FBS and resting BP in hypertensive and prehypertensive groups [P < 0.001] as compared to normotensive subjects. There was a significant correlation between FBS and resting BP in hypertensive and prehypertensive teachers residing in Shiraz,Iran. But this correlation was not present in the vast majority of the population with normal resting blood pressure. The prevalence of neglected DM and HTN in this population was high enough to warrant regular screening

Correlation between HDL-C and smoking in teachers residing in Shiraz, Iran

It has been established that serum HDL-C is a main predictor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of HDL-C to smoking in teachers residing in Shiraz in order to improve the health status of the group under study and community as a whole. The present study comprised a total of 3115 teachers working in Shiraz recruited in a prospective cohort study. Of these, two groups of 235 smokers and 235 non-smokers were randomly selected for evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, and to determine any association between serum HDL-C, LDL, triglyceride [TG], systolic and diastolic blood pressure with smoking, gender and BMI. One way ANOVA, Pearson correlation and independent sample t tests by SPSS version 16 were used for statistical analysis and all means were followed by SD. Mean age of subjects was 45.5+/-6.7 years. Of smokers 4.7% were females. Among smokers males had a significantly higher mean of HDL [P=0.002] compared to females [42 vs. 32.4 mg/dl]. HDL level was significantly lower [P<0.001] in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers and light smokers [36.5 vs 41.7 and 43.5]. However, light smokers had a higher mean of HDL than non-smokers, although the difference was not statistically significant [43.5 vs. 41.7 mg/dl, P=0.131]. Serum HDL was not affected by other factors. Smoking was associated with a low serum HDL in the subjects under study who were intellectual class of the population. It is thus warranted to take preventive measures to combat cardiovascular diseases in this sector of community

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure among three groups of occupation

It is believed that occupation influences cardiovascular risk factors. To assess blood pressure [BP] and other cardiovascular risk factors in three occupation groups-teachers, military personnel and female housekeepers residing in Shiraz, southern Iran. We studied 2783 teachers, 366 military personnel, and 1896 female housekeepers who attended various medical education centers in Shiraz. BP, anthropometric parameters as well as fasted lipid profile and blood glucose level were measured determined for each participant. The mean values of all analyzed cardiovascular risk factors were higher among female housekeepers compared to female teachers. The mean systolic and diastolic BP was significantly [<0.001, and P=0.047, respectively] higher in female housekeepers than female teachers. Neither systolic nor diastolic BP had association with the type of occupation in men [military personnel vs. male teachers]. Housekeeping compared to teaching, may increase both systolic and diastolic BP in women

Correlation between cigarette smoking and blood pressure and pulse pressure among teachers residing in Shiraz, southern Iran

Hypertension [HTN] affects nearly 26% of the adult population worldwide. Assessment of factors which influence blood pressure is a major topic for public health. One of these preventable risk factors is smoking. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3115 [1842 [59.1%] females] teachers from Shiraz. The participants aged between 21 and 73 years. A questionnaire was used to collect data on several cardiovascular disease risk factors including smoking and blood pressure. The prevalence of smoking in our study group was 5.85%; 1.52% of the studied participants were ex-smokers. The prevalence of pre-HTN and HTN [JNC VII] was 42.6% and 18.2%, respectively. HTN was more prevalent among men and elderly people. Pre-HTN was more prevalent in smokers but HTN was more frequent in non-smokers. The mean rang of systolic and diastolic HTN, and pulse pressure was greater in heavy smokers than those who smoked <20 packs year, although the difference was not statically significant. The relation between the smoking status and blood pressure is not yet obvious. However, it seems that cessation or at least reduction in the amount of smoking would significantly decrease blood pressure

Predictive value of cardiovascular risk factors for risk assessment in cohort of Shiraz Heart Study

Risk assessment for fast growing burden of cardiovascular diseases is very important and difficult. As a response to this challenge, in particular, genetic risk factors which potentially modify risk, we conducted a survey of primary data registry of Shiraz Heart Study on integration and application of family history data in prevention of cardiovascular disorders. This study is a longitudinal cohort project to be extended from subpopulations of different job groups to the community. Parental family history of MI, diabetes mellitus [DM], hyperlipidemia [HPL], hypertension [HTN] was reported more frequently among females than males. Histories of MI, DM, HPL, and HTN in both parents were respectively positive in 2.6%, 2%, 4.6%, and 7.9% of the participants. Odd ratios [OR] for risk of MI from family history of MI were 2.7; risk of DM from family history of DM 4.5; risk of HPL from family history of HPL 2.04; and risk of HTN from family history HTN 4.7. Also, family history of MI modifies risk of HPL [OR=1.7, P<0.0001]; and family history of DM modifies risk of HPL [OR=2.04, P<0.0001]. Our primary result shows potent application of family history data in risk assessment of cardiovascular outcome. In particular, HTN appears as a silent and leading risk modifier. In regard to the course of continuing Shiraz Heart Study integration of family history of risk factors crucial in public health we suggest to adopt a network of electronic health records from the [Health House] to the [Heart House]

study of salt [Sodium Chloride] content in different bread consumed in Shiraz City in spring/summer 2009

Randomized controlled studies over the last 4 decades demonstrated that controlling blood pressure could reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between diet ingredient [particularly the salt] and blood pressure has been well established and since bread is the main element in population diet, especially in our country, the determination of sodium content of bread is of high priority and warrants further investigation. A total of 204 bakeries were selected for this study and the amount of salt in different bread was measured once during spring and summer, using the method of Iran's Organization for Standards and Industrial Investigation. The study was performed on 6 different kinds of bread baked in different districts of Shiraz city. This study demonstrated that 17.9% of bread's salt level in Shiraz exceeds the standard level and the remaining 82.1% is within the standard range. Mean percentage of bread's salt was reported as 1.31 gram%. Compared to the previous reports, the results of present study fortunately showed a reduction of salt in bread during the last two decades. However, 17.9% of bread's salt is yet more than the standard level

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among military personnel in southern Iran

The incidence of cardiovascular disease [CVD] is rapidly increasing at an alarming rate worldwide and is currently considered as the leading cause of death in both developing and developed countries. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence and clear analysis of cardiovascular risk factors among army population and provide a guideline for improving the health status of army personnel. This is a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among 341 male subjects from a military population in southern Iran. Each eligible participant was evaluated in the military clinic in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Information regarding demographic and life style were obtained from each subject. Arterial blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC] and hip circumference [HC], fasting blood glucose, lipid profile consisting of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride were measured by standard methods. Mean age of the population under study was 35.1 +/- 7.5 years. Twenty-nine [8.8%] individuals were hypertensive whereas 108 [32.9%] had blood pressure in the range of pre-hypertension. According to laboratory investigations, 29 [8.5%] participants had glucose intolerance while 6 [1.8%] of them had diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were 104 [30.5%] and 114 [33.4%] respectively. Twenty-eight [8.2%] subjects had criteria for metabolic syndrome. Clinical and Para-clinical data indicated that army population in southern Iran had a low level of CVD risk factors that may be related to their life styles

Prevalence of coronary artery disease risk factors in teachers residing in Shiraz-Iran 2009

Coronary artery diseases [CAD] are the leading cause of mortality, morbidity and disability with high health care cost in any countries including Iran. The prevalence of all CAD risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, lipid profile abnormalities and obesity is rising in the population of Iran. Knowing the population at risk would lead to proper education to decrease these risk factors and ultimately would reduce CAD. This descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted in February to December 2009 and comprised a total of 3115 Shiraz educational staff, aged 21- 73 years. Questionnaires were applied to collect information including; demographic data, physical activity, history of CAD, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. In addition, waist circumference, height, weight, body mass index [BMI], and hip circumference [HC] were measured and serum biochemistry profiles were determined on venous blood samples. Such data helped identify the prevalence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, overweight and obesity, central obesity, and smoking. The mean age of 3115 participant was 42.7 and 41.5 years for men and women respectively. The prevalence of pre-diabetes, diabetes hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were%10.2,%4,%18.2,%38.30 and%33.2 respectively. Diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia were more prevalent among males and older subjects. The prevalence of central obesity was%75.05 [IDF criteria] and%40.64 [ATP- III criteria]. The frequency of obesity, current smoking, ex-smoking and passive smoking were%12.1,%5.85,%1.52 ,%7.9 respectively which were below the reported prevalence in Iran in previous studies, but physical inactivity was%73.3 which is very high in this study group. Although CAD risk factors seem to be very common in the study population, clinical and paraclinical data indicated that teachers residing in Shiraz have a lower rate of CAD risk factors in comparison with previous studies done in general population of Iran. This may be related to high level of education, awareness and better lifestyle in the study group. But still further educating in regard to lifestyle modifications as well as dietary surveillance is needed in general population including those dealing with educating children and on a larger scale, the community as a whole

relationship between body mass index and pre-diabetes in teachers residing in Shiraz-Iran 2009

Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases often go hand in hand and conversely, many patients with established coronary heart disease suffer from diabetes or its pre-states. Thus, it is high time that diabetologists and cardiologists join their forces to improve the quality management in diagnosis and care for the millions of patients who have both cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in common. The cardio-diabetological approach not only is of utmost importance for the sake of those patients, but also instrumental for further progress in the fields of cardiology and diabetology and prevention. This descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted February to December 2009. A total of 3115 teachers residing in Shiraz aged 21- 73 years, were enrolled. Questionnaires were applied to collect information including demographic data, physical activity, history of CAD, hypertension, dyslipidemia,and smoking. In addition, waist circumference, height, weight, body mass index [BMI], and hip circumference [HC] were measured and serum biochemistry profiles were determined on venous blood samples. The prevalence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia,hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, overweight, obesity, central obesity, and smoking were identified based on the above mentioned data. Total prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes were 47.2% and 6.2% and the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes were 44.3% and 5.3% among men and 49.2% and 6.6% among women respectively. Thus the association of sex with prevalent impaired fasting glucose and diabetes was signi?cant and greater among women. Diabetes and prediabetes are more prevalent in men and women who are considered as obese in regard to waist circumference and waist/hip ratio scales. This study showed a relationship between higher range of BMI and prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes. Obesity is a preventable risk factor for diabetes mellitus and preventive measures taken to control obesity are effective means of reducing the risk of diabetes mellitus and also cardiovascular disease

Myocardial hydatid cyst: an uncommon complication of echinococcal infection

A 27 years-old man presented with malaise, fatigue and atypical chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and revealed a single large and well defined intra-myocardial cystic mass in the inter-ventricular septum. The cystic mass was thin-walled and contained some small daughter cyst. Although the echocardiographic diagnosis was straightforward, serologic test [Hydatid cyst antibody] with Eliza was performed which was positive for echinococcal infection. Other works up showed no involvement of other organ system. Albendazol was started for him and he referred to cardiac surgeon for resection of cystic mass but the patient refuse for operation

Etiologic agents and drug sensitivity in urinary tract infections: a survey of 786 urine cultures

In this survey, 786 urine cultures were studied retrospectively at Shaheed Dr. Rahnamoon Hospital in Tehran.the study showed that E. coli is the most common causative agent of urinary tract infections in both sexes, being responsible for 72% of all cases. Other etiologic microorganisms, in order of frequency, were Staphylococcus, Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Diphteroids. Approximately 9% of all causative microorganisms were partially or totally resistant to the antimicrobials used in the antibiograms and practically all were among the nosocomial infections. The sensitivity resistance ratio of the etiologic agents in this study revealed that E.coli was most sensitive to amikacin,nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid. However,it was resistant to ampicillin in 90% of all cases [compared to only 30% resistance rate in the western countries], which is probably due to inappropriate use of antibiotics in our country. We therefore conclude that the administration of ampicillin and co-trimoxazole, the two antimicrobials frequently used as an impirical therapy for urinary tract infections, is not appropriate