[Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in physicians. Preliminary data from the VIDAM Project of the Paulista Medical Association].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and other characteristics of some cardiovascular risk factors among physicians of São Paulo State, Brazil.
METHODS: From a questionnaire, 1395 voluntary physicians answered questions about personal and familial cardiovascular disease and risk factors, and blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, glucose, height and weight were recorded.
RESULTS: The frequency of familial history of ischemic heart disease was 24.4%; positive personal antecedent of hypercholesterolemia, 12.4%; serum total cholesterol > or = 240 mg/dl, 14.3%; positive personal antecedent of hypertension, 8.4%; systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mmHg or diastolic > or = 90 mmHg, 23.8%; current cigarette smokers, 17.4%; prior cigarette smokers, 19.1%; positive personal antecedent of diabetes, 0.8%; serum glucose > 120 mg%, 7.7%; sedentarism, 37%, and obesity, 17.2%.
CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking was the only risk factor that was taken in account with emphasis by the physicians of São Paulo State in order to prevent themselves from cardiovascular disease.