BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that South Asians are highly susceptible to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There is very little information available about the prevalence of risk factors for CVD in the physician population, a group that might be expected to be more aware of cardiovascular risk and health status. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors - including metabolic, dietary and behavioural - among the physician population in southern India. METHODS: Approximately 4000 physicians of differing specialties from eight southern districts in Tamilnadu, India, in and around the city of Madurai were listed. Of these, 1600 were randomly selected to participate in a cross-sectional survey, of which 1514 physicians agreed to participate. The survey included demographic questionnaires, objective measurements of blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, fasting lipids and waist circumference, and questionnaires about their dietary and behavioural habits. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 1433 physicians. Using a blood pressure cut-off value of 130/85 mmHg or higher, the study recorded a prevalence of 41% among men and 23% among women. On applying the International Diabetes Federation criteria for the metabolic syndrome for the South Asian population, the present study identified 49% of female physicians and 41% of male physicians as having the metabolic syndrome. Only 17% were physically active. Less than one-half of them consumed vegetables. Nearly 31% of male physicians were smokers. CONCLUSION: Analysis of these data suggests that the risk for CVD and stroke is at epidemic proportions in a cohort of well-educated physicians who are in the highest quintile of income.
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that South Asians are highly susceptible to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There is very little information available about the prevalence of risk factors for CVD in the physician population, a group that might be expected to be more aware of cardiovascular risk and health status. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors - including metabolic, dietary and behavioural - among the physician population in southern India. METHODS: Approximately 4000 physicians of differing specialties from eight southern districts in Tamilnadu, India, in and around the city of Madurai were listed. Of these, 1600 were randomly selected to participate in a cross-sectional survey, of which 1514 physicians agreed to participate. The survey included demographic questionnaires, objective measurements of blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, fasting lipids and waist circumference, and questionnaires about their dietary and behavioural habits. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 1433 physicians. Using a blood pressure cut-off value of 130/85 mmHg or higher, the study recorded a prevalence of 41% among men and 23% among women. On applying the International Diabetes Federation criteria for the metabolic syndrome for the South Asian population, the present study identified 49% of female physicians and 41% of male physicians as having the metabolic syndrome. Only 17% were physically active. Less than one-half of them consumed vegetables. Nearly 31% of male physicians were smokers. CONCLUSION: Analysis of these data suggests that the risk for CVD and stroke is at epidemic proportions in a cohort of well-educated physicians who are in the highest quintile of income.
Authors: A Chockalingam; I Balaguer-Vintro; A Achutti; A B de Luna; J Chalmers; E Farinaro; R Lauzon; I Martin; J G Papp; A Postiglione; K S Reddy; T F Tse Journal: Can J Cardiol Date: 2000-02 Impact factor: 5.223
Authors: Salim Yusuf; Steven Hawken; Stephanie Ounpuu; Tony Dans; Alvaro Avezum; Fernando Lanas; Matthew McQueen; Andrzej Budaj; Prem Pais; John Varigos; Liu Lisheng Journal: Lancet Date: 2004 Sep 11-17 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: Anaïs Besson; Alice Tarpin; Valentin Flaudias; Georges Brousse; Catherine Laporte; Amanda Benson; Valentin Navel; Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois; Frédéric Dutheil Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-17 Impact factor: 3.390