Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus in an Iranian population: the IHHP study

We used data from the baseline survey from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Programme to determine the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes among a representative samples of 12 514 adults living in 3 cities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes was 17.3%, 66.3% and 5.6% respectively. Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 40.3%, 35.3%, and 9.1% respectively. The rates for dyslipidaemia were 14.4%, 7.1% and 6.5% respectively, and 54.6% of diabetics were aware of their disease and 46.2% were under treatment

Obesity and its association with other cardiovascular risk factors in women's in central Iran - women healthy heart project

Cardiovascular diseases [CVD] are considered the most important cause of death worldwide. Obesity is a major CVD risk factor. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and its association with other CVD risk factors in Iranian women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2001 as part of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program [IHHP] in three Central Iranian cities of Isfahan, Najaf-Abad and Arak. Being over 19 years of age, absence of pregnancy, absence of mental retardation and Iranian nationality were the criteria for inclusion in the study. A questionnaire on demographics characteristics, drug consumption, smoking status, and physical activity were filled out for every subject. Height, weight and blood pressure of all subjects were measured and fasting blood samples were taken to measure blood glucose and lipids. The data were analyzed with T-test, X[2] and multiple linear regression, using SPSS11. Of 6391 women aged 38.8 +/- 14.5 years participating in the study, 79% lived in the urban areas and 21% in the rural areas. The prevalence of a higher BMI was greater in urban areas in all ages. Hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol-triglyceride and LDL-C disorders and inadequate physical activity were more prevalent in obese women than normal ones, but no significant difference was seen in HDL-C disorder and smoking between the two groups [P<0.05]. There was a significant positive relationship between BMI and age, blood glucose and urban residence, and a negative relationship was observed between BMI and inadequate physical activity [P<0.05]. The high prevalence of obesity and the major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in urban areas is testament to unhealthy lifestyle and insufficient physical activity of women in areas studied

[Effects of some environmental factors on smoking and the consequences of smoking on Major Cardiovascular Disease [CVD] risk factors in adolescent: Isfahan healthy heart program- heart health promotion from childhood]

Introduction: despite the health policies, the prevalence of smoking has been increasing among adolescents and the age of its beginning has been decreasing

Objective: this study was performed in order to consider the effects of environmental factors on smoking and its hazards on the health of adolescents in order to plan community-based interventions against it

Materials and Methods: in a longitudinal cross-sectional study performed in urban and rural areas of Isfahan, Najaf-Abad and Arak, 1950 questionnaires of students and the same number for parents and 468 questionnaires of school staff have been completed. Questionnaires about smoking were completed secretly and without name. Students have been selected by random multi-stage sampling from middle- and high schools. Physical examination and blood sampling was performed by expert nurses in schools

Results: among students, 4% of girls, 12.9% of boys and 8.7% of all studied subjects reported to smoke at least one cigarette per day. The mean age of smoking was 14.6+/-1.7 years in girls and 14.8 +/-1.69 years in boys [P=0.5]. The prevalence of smoking in boys was significantly higher than that in girls [OR = 3.34, %95 CI=2.33-4.77, P<0.001]. The mean value of total and LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in smokers and their HDL-C was lower than non-smokers [P < 0.05]. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers [110.7+/-14.5, 67.6+/-11.35 mmHg, 20.34+/-3.84 vs. 104.9+/-14.3, 63.2+/-10.8 mmHg, 19.55+/-3.66, respectively, P<0.05]. The mean consumption frequency was lower for fruits and vegetables and higher for fat/salty snacks in smokers than non-smokers. Only 5.6% of students mentioned that they became aware of smoking hazards from school staff and most of the students considered scientific TV programmes as the most important source for their knowledge about these hazards. The Odds Ratio of smoking was 1.56 [95% CI, 1.1-2.07, P=0.01] for those with smoker parents and 1.68 [95% CI, 1.22-2.32, P=0.001] with parents opposed to regular extracurricular exercise of their children. The father's education level of smokers was significantly lower than non-smokers [P<0.05]. Logistic regression analysis showed significant effect of sex, age and number of smokers in family on adolescent smoking

Conclusion: considering the susceptibility of adolescents to begin smoking, the role of families in this regard and inadequate information given in schools about the smoking hazards and also considering the higher prevalence of major CVD risk factors in smoker adolescents compared to non- smoker ones, it is suggested to implement community-based interventions through families, schools and mass media in order to increase the knowledge and to improve the practice of adolescents against smoking