Mass screening for coronary risk factors in 2,524 asymptomatic adults

The prevalence of coronary risk factors was assessed in 2,524 asymptomatic adults in Long Beach, California. Hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol level greater than 250 mg/100 ml) was present in 725 subjects (28.8 per cent), hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride level greater than or equal to 150 mg/100 ml) in 497 (19.7 per cent), and an abnormal lipoprotein pattern in 813 (32.2 per cent). Of the 2,524 subjects, 233 (9.2 per cent) had a blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg and 116 (4.6 percent) had a blood pressure above 150/100 mm. There were 1,043 cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers (41.3 per cent). Fifty subjects (2.0 per cent) had a fasting blood sugar level above 120 mg/100 ml, 48 (1.9 per cent) had abnormal triceps skinfold thickness, and 382 (15.2 per cent) weighed 20 per cent or more above the desirable weight. The electrocardiogram during rest was definitely above the desirable weight. The electrocardiogram during rest was definitely abnormal in 183 subjects (7.3 per cent). On the basis of these data it is evident that in many asymptomatic adults, risk factors predisposing to coronary disease are not being detected or treated.