The Prevalence of Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Low Socioeconomic Use individuals in Birjand 2008 (East IRAN)

Introduction: Studying the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in low socioeconomic groups is of great importance. People who are under the supervisioin and care of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (IKRF) are the most deprived in Iran. The present survey aimed at investigating the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors among the citizens who are under the supervision of IKRF. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 1008 individuals protected by the IKRF in Birjand in 2008 through multi-stage, random sampling. Demographic data were recorded. Furthermore, blood pressure, waist circumference, weight and height were measured by two trained nurses. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and serum lipids were measured within 12 hours of overnight fasting. Chi-square and T-test were used for data analysis at the significant level of 0.05 using SPSS software (version 15). Results: The mean age of the patients was 39±16.8 years and the most common proved risk factor was dyslipidemia (72%). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia was 43/2% and 12.7% respectively. Obesity was detected in 32.1%. The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) appeared to be 13.1% and 6.3% respectively. Smoking was distinguished in 9.8 % of the participants. The prevalence of high Cholestrol (P=0.001), high LDL (P=0.01), low HDL (P < 0.001), overweight and obesity (P < 0.001) was higher in female, but prevalence of smoking was higher in male (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Dyslipidemia, obesity and HTN were the most prevalent risk factors in IKRF supported groups with a low socioeconomic status. Thus, it is necessary to hold effective certain educational programs for all the community. Moreover, the screening of cardiac risk factors must be done for all individuals, particularly for those with a low socioeconomic status