Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors among Omani adults

ABSTRACT

To determine the distribution and correlates of clustering of cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors, data from the Oman National Health Survey, 2000 were analysed. Based on demographic data [blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol, weight, height, waist and hip measurements], 5660 subjects were grouped according to how many of four CVD risk factors [hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight/obesity] they had. We found that 72% of subjects had less than one risk factor and 2% had all four. Older age exacerbated risk, while living in rural areas or being single was protective. Metabolic cardiovascular syndrome is a public health problem in Oman. Increasing awareness in healthcare providers and the wider population by comprehensive dissemination of the survey results is crucial