[Prevalence of exposure to cardiovascular risk factors in 4 Swiss cities]

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were measured in a sample of 3665 adults between 16 and 70 years of age in four Swiss cities. 54.7% of men and 37.6% of women had either blood pressure values above 160/95 mm Hg or smoked at least 8 g tobacco per day, or had plasma cholesterol exceeding 260 mg/dl (6.73 mmol/l). The statistical associations between the three factors were studied with the following results: direct relation between hypertension and hypercholesterolemia - the odd ratio standardized for age according to Mantel-Haenszel (ORmh) = 2.7 with a 95% confidence interval (IC95) = 1.8 to 4.1 - an inverse relation between hypertension and tobacco consumption - ORmh = 0.59, IC95 = 0.38 to 0.92. In order to investigate the variables associated with exposure to all three factors, an age-specific index of risk was calculated for each person using the multiple logistic function obtained in the Framingham study. In males, this index was elevated in subjects who were sedentary, obese and alcohol consumers, subjects who ate less than three meals a day and subjects who lived alone. The index was elevated in women who were obese, who ate less than three meals a day and in women living alone or without children. The mortality rate for ischemic heart diseases in the four towns was compared with known risk factors and with alcohol consumption. It appears that for both sexes the larger the population regularly drinking a moderate quantity of wine, the lower the mortality rate. The importance of a multifactorial approach to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is emphasized.