Relationship between obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in adults living in central Iran: results of Isfahan healthy heart program

As previous studies on the association between obesity and cardiovascular [CVD] risk factors have been made in limited populations, this study was performed to determine the association in 3 cities in the central parts of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, data collected in the1st phase of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program [IHHP], involving 12514 subjects "19 years old, conducted during 2000-2001, in Isfahan and the Central Provinces of Iran, were analyzed. Fasting blood sugar [FBS], 2-hour post-load plasma glucose [2hpp], serum lipid profile, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were determined by standard methods. FBS, 2hpp, serum lipids fractions [except for HDL-C] and blood pressure had significant positive relations with body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC] [all p-values < 0.001]. As compared to the 1st quartile of WC, odds ratios [OR; 95% CI] of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in the 4th quartile were 2.8 [1.2-3.3], 3 [1.6-4.3] and 2.4 [1.9-3.1] in men and 2.5 [1.8-3.4], 2.7 [1.3-3.8] and 2.5 [2-3.2] in women, respectively. Also, ORs [95% CI] of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemic in 4th quartile of BMI, as compared to the 1st, were 1.6 [1.2-2], 2.8 [1.7-3.9] and 3 [2.4-3.8] in men and 1.9 [1.4-2.4], 2.6 [1.4-3.7] and 1.6 [1.2-2] in women, respectively. ORs of these risk facrors increased with increasing WC and BMI. Therefore, it is concluded that both obesity indicators increase the chance of CVD risk factors

Clustering of coronary artery disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance

A cross-sectional study in Isfahan city, Islamic Republic of Iran, compared the frequency of coronary artery disease risk factors in known and newly diagnosed diabetic patients and individuals with impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] with normal individuals. The prevalence of known cases of diabetes, new cases of diabetes and cases with IGT in the general population sample of 3940 were 4.3%, 1.1%, and 6.2% respectively. The frequency of dyslipidaemia was significantly different comparing diabetics and normal individuals. There was a significantly higher prevalence of risk factors [i.e. increased body mass index or waist circumference accompanied by dyslipidaemia] in the female population. The study highlights the importance of defining strategies for prevention and early diagnosis of diabetes in the community

Antihypertensive drugs used by hypertensive patients in the provincial cities of Isfahan, Najaf Abad and Arek

Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease encountered by physicians. Its prevalence has been reported at 18% in Isfahan province. Hypertension control decreases the risk of stroke and coronary events by 50% and 15%, respectively. According to the World Health Organization [WHO], the rate of blood pressure control stands at 12.5%. Effective hypertension control requires measures such as screening, diagnosis, lifestyle improvement, and drug therapy. The type of drug regimen prescribed to the hypertensive patient is of key importance in achieving optimal control. The present study was performed to determine the type of drugs used by hypertensive patients in urban and rural areas of the provincial cities of Isfahan, Najaf-Abad and Arak. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in the provincial cities of Isfahan, Najaf-Abad and Arak in 2000-2001, as part of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program [IHHP]. Cluster sampling method was used to select 10674 individuals from the urban and rural areas of the said provincial cities. The patients had systolic or diastolic blood pressure readings of >/= 140 and >/= 90, respectively, or received antihypertensive medications. Data were entered into the EPI5 software and analyzed with t-test using SPSS. A total of 2015 hypertensive individuals [18.9%] were identified. Awareness of being hypertensive and rate of treatment and control of hypertension measured 47%, 23% and 9% respectively. Of 670 patients under treatment, 527 had been treated with one drug type, 133 with two drug types with 35 different combinations, and 30 used three drug types with 25 different combinations. Among single-drug regimens, beta-blockers were the most common choice [23%] and atenolol and methyldopa were the most frequently prescribed drugs, respectively. The frequency of diuretics use was 0.9%. Inappropriate combinations such as atenolol and propranolol were seen among two- and three-drug regimens [nine patients]. Drug regimens used by many hypertensive patients are not consistent with standard protocols; these regimens are ineffective in blood pressure control and lead to increased side-effects and subsequently patient noncompliance. Thus, education of physicians and other healthcare providers on hypertension and antihypertensive treatment is essential

Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in diabetics and IGT cases in Isfahan province 2000-2001: Isfahan healthy heart program

This study was conducted to cluster cardiac risk factors of patients and to compare the prevalence of these risk factors in diabetic patients and patients with glucose intolerance with normal people, and also to compare the prevalence of these factors in known and new cases of diabetes mellitus. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample selected from Isfahan province, Iran, as part of a national program for cardiovascular diseases prevention and control. A total of 3940 male and female subjects [1914 males, 2026 females] aged above 19 years were studied. The demographic characteristics were obtained by questionnaire. Important risk factors such as Systolic Blood Pressure [SBP], Diastolic Blood Pressure [DBP], Waist Circumference [WC], Body Mass Index [BMI], Fasting Blood Sugar [FBS], Triglyceride [TG], Total Cholesterol [TC], High Density Lipoprotein [HDL-C], and Low Density Lipoprotein [LDL-C] were assessed in the subjects. The prevalence of known cases of diabetes, new cases of diabetes, and glucose resistance was 4.3%, 1.1%, and 6.2% in the population under study, respectively. The prevalence of the above conditions was 4.9%, 1.2% and 1.1% in women, and 3.7%, 1% and 5.3% in men, respectively. Comparison of the prevalence of blood lipid disorders showed a significant difference between patients and healthy individuals. The overall comparison of all of the risk factors also showed a significant difference between the said groups. The prevalence of blood lipid disorders in men was higher than in women and this difference was significant. Comparison of the prevalence of increased BMI/WC and blood lipid disorders between two sexes revealed a significantly higher prevalence in women. The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of risk factors, especially increased prevalence of obesity and blood lipid disorders in cases of diabetes and glucose intolerance. Hence, strategies for prevention and treatment of diabetes should be launched in the community in view of the extent of these risk factors

Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic and glucose intolerant cases

Comparing to other people, diabetic patients have a greater chance to develop cardiovascular diseases. To compare the prevalence of cardiac risk factors in diabetic patients, glucose intolerant patients and the normal individuals. Also, a comparison on prevalence of these factors in known and new cases of diabetes mellitus was made. This cross-sectional study was done on 3940 samples [1914 males, 2026 females] in the age group of >/= 19 years old. The samples were chosen base on random-clustering method. The demographic characteristic information was obtained using questionnaires. The major risk factors such as systolic/diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, fasting blood sugar, serum lipids were obtained through laboratory studies, physical examinations and observations. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The prevalence of known diabetes, new cases of diabetes, and glucose intolerance among the total cases were 4.3%, 1.1%, and 6.2%, respectively. The prevalence of the similar parameters in female and male groups was 4.9%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 3.7%, 1%, 5.3%, respectively. Comparing only the abundance of blood lipids disorders among patients and healthy individuals was indicating of the presence of a significant difference, statistically. The same statistical pattern was obtained when all risk factors among patient and healthy groups were compared, collectively. The prevalence of blood lipids disorders in men was higher than those in women showing a significant difference. When the prevalence of risk factors including an increase in BMI or WC compared with blood lipids disorders between two sexes, the prevalence rate was significantly higher in women than in men [P<0.05]. Based on data obtained in this study, the preventive and therapeutic for diabetic patients should be launched according to the extent of these risk factors