Coronary risk factor and lifestyle variation across Scotland: results from the Scottish Heart Health Study

Between 1984 and 1986 the Scottish Heart Health Study recorded coronary risk factors and lifestyle in 10,359 men and women aged 40-59 years across 22 districts of Scotland--districts whose standardised mortality ratio for coronary heart disease in men varied from 61 in Eastwood to 136 in Monklands. This paper presents the results by district. Cigarette smoking levels showed the greatest variation, from 29% to 52% in men and 24% to 51% in women. Blood pressure means varied but were not high (129-138mmHg systolic in men, 126-137mmHg in women, 81-88mmHg diastolic in men and 77-84mmHg in women). Mean serum cholesterol values were high and varied little by district in men, (6.1 to 6.5mmol/l), although there was more variation in women (6.3 to 7.0mmol/l). Body mass index (25.3 to 26.6kg/m2 in men and 24.8 to 26.3kg/m2 in women) also varied little. Distribution of other lipids, fibrinogen, exercise levels and fruit and vegetable consumption is also described. When district mean levels of major coronary risk factors are entered into predictive formulae, cigarette smoking and blood pressure could explain part of the regional variation in mortality, but much remains unaccounted for. Nonetheless, these levels provide data for local preventive initiatives. While the overall pattern and interaction of the factors will repay further study, the high levels of serum cholesterol in all districts, and the level and variation in cigarette smoking, are a challenge for action.