Asia-Pacific collaboration on coronary heart disease risk factor intervention: study design and methods

Age-adjusted death rates for coronary heart disease (CHD) have been decreasing in populations of developed countries. At the same time, CHD in the Asia-Pacific region appears to be increasing in parallel with the 'Westernisation' of diet and lifestyle. More epidemiological information is needed from the Asia-Pacific region in order to be able to predict trends in CHD and to plan resources for treatment. In this paper we outline the study design of a survey of coronary heart disease risk factors in Asia-Pacific countries.

To ascertain and compare in 10 countries: (i) rates of measurement of risk factors; (ii) levels of risk factors, and (iii) management of risk factors.

A retrospective survey was conducted in 180 randomly selected hospitals using a population-weighted sampling frame. Participating countries were Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Data covered a 6-month period from the patient's admission to hospital with myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Data included measures of hypertension, smoking, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and family history of coronary disease. The study design incorporated rigorous quality-assurance methods to ensure reliability.

The study will provide data comparable to those from studies in Europe and the USA. Together, these studies will provide an international perspective on coronary risk factors.