The prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors in the Czech population in 2006-2009. The Czech post-MONICA study

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in the Czech Republic. The decline in CVD mortality observed in our country since 1985 may be due to a decrease in its incidence or case fatality. Case fatality is mostly related to the standard of health care whereas the incidence of CVD is associated with the risk profile of the population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of major CVD risk factors in a representative Czech population sample. Methods: A 1% population sample aged 25-64 years was randomly selected from nine districts of the Czech Republic. The examination consisted of completing a standard questionnaire, obtaining major anthropometric data, repeated blood pressure measurements, and blood sampling. Results: A total of 3612 individuals (1737 males, mean age 47.8 ± 11.48 years, and 1875 females, mean age 46.5 ± 11.20 years) were screened in 2006-2009 (response rate, 62.2%). Mean BMI in our population was 28.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2 in males and 27.1 ± 6.0 kg/m2 in females (p < 0,001). Obesity was found in 32.4% of males and 28.3% females. Among the males, 31.9% reported to be regular smokers whereas smoking was found in 23.3% females (p < 0.001). There was a high prevalence of hypertension (47.8% of males and 36.6% of females; p < 0.001); 71.9% of hypertensives were aware of their disease, 60.3% were drug treated, and 30.9% were controlled (blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg). Females, while having a lower prevalence of hypertension, are more often aware of their disease, are more frequently treated by antihypertensive drugs, and are more often controlled. The mean total cholesterol in our population was identical in males and females (5.29 ± 1.10 mmol/l and 5.29 ± 1.04 mmol/l, respectively). Lipid-lowering drugs were used by 12.7% of males and 8.5% of females (p < 0.001). Diabetes was found in 9.4% of males and 4.7% of females (p < 0.001). The prevalence of all major risk factors increased significantly with age in both sexes (p for trend < 0.001). Conclusion: A high prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors was found in a representative Czech population sample, which is the cause of continuing high cardiovascular mortality in the Czech Republic.