Modifiable risks for cardiovascular disease among general practitioners in Wales

A random cluster sample of 520 general practitioners in Wales was invited to complete a postal questionnaire providing information on personal health status, and practice organisation and activities relating to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Survey participants were also asked to provide a blood sample together with details of independently measured height, weight and blood pressure. 310 (60%) provided usable information and 280 (54%) provided blood samples. General practitioners in the study generally had better lifestyles and fewer coronary risk factors than the general population in Wales. Only 17% (43/251) of males were regular smokers, and 56% (134/239) of males and 32% (18/68) of females regularly take exercise. Few and uncontrolled elevated blood pressure. However, 39% (97/248) of males and 29% (15/52) of female GPs were overweight, and more than 40% (19/42) of male GPs aged 40-64 had cholesterol levels above 6.5 mmol. Six per cent (6/99) of male GPs aged 40-54 consumed greater than 35 units of alcohol each week. It is suggested that GPs have responded well to the challenges of reducing smoking among themselves and their patients, but that they have yet to recognise fully the risks to personal health associated with elevated cholesterol levels and high alcohol consumption.