Prevalence of coronary artery disease risk factors in Iran: a population based survey

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in Iran, accounting for nearly 50% of annual deaths.
• Limited data exists on CAD prevalence and its associated risk factors within the Iranian population.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap by assessing various CAD risk factors in Iranian adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of different coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors among adults in Iran.
• To provide data for developing national strategies for CAD prevention and management.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted.
• 3000 healthy adults aged 18 and above were recruited using cluster random sampling.
• Data on demographics and risk factors were collected via medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

Main Results:

• The study population had an average age of 36.23 years, with 46% females and 54% males.
• High prevalence of risk factors included: 6.3% diabetes, 21.6% smoking, 15% family history of heart disease, 61% total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL, 32% triglycerides > 200 mg/dL, 47.5% LDL-c > 130 mg/dL, 5.4% HDL-c < 35 mg/dL, 13.7% systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg, 9.1% diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg.
• A significant 87% of participants were physically inactive.

Conclusions:

• Clinical and para-clinical data reveal a high burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors in the Iranian adult population.
• These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted national control measures to mitigate CAD.
• Intervention strategies should focus on lifestyle modifications and management of key risk factors like hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity.