Risk factors for coronary heart disease in the white community of Durban

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death among the white and Indian populations of Durban. This was a community-based study of the white population of Durban, which is predominantly English-speaking. There were 396 subjects (194 men, 202 women) aged 15-69 years. A history of CHD was present in 9.3% of the subjects. The important risk factors were hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and smoking. The minor risk factors were obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia, hyperuricaemia, a sedentary occupation and a history of CHD in the immediate family. Electrocardiograph abnormalities denoting CHD were present in 17% of subjects. A study of the major risk factors showed that 35.1% (age and sex adjusted) had at least one major risk factor at the higher level (level A) and 33.8% (age and sex adjusted) at the lower risk levels (level B). When the combination of risk factors was taken into account, 15.2% and 28% had two major risk factors, one each at levels A and B respectively. On average the percentage of men and women with one risk factor or more increased with age. A protective high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio > or = 20% was present in 53.5% of the respondents. Because of the severe nature of CHD, an intensive programme for the primary prevention of CHD risk factors should be instituted.