Coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors among people aged 25–65 years, as seen in Romanian primary healthcare

Abstract

Background: In Romania data on cardiovascular risk factors are sparse. Objective: To describe the prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in a primary care setting in Romania. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, patients aged 25–65 years on the lists of four general practitioners in Iasi (Romania), selected by 1/5 systematic sampling, were invited for a cardiovascular risk evaluation (interview, physical examination, blood tests for cholesterol and glucose). Prevalence rates for coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes (DM) and other risk factors were estimated, SCORE risk was determined, and treatment targets were evaluated. Results: The response rate was 79% (325 men, 476 women). Prevalence rates were: CHD 7.4%, DM 3.2%, hypercholesterolemia (>190 mg%) 47.2%, hypertension 23.7%, obesity 21.2%, and smoking 33.8%. In women, obesity and lack of physical exercise were more prevalent, whereas in men, higher rates were found for smoking and an unhealthy diet. The proportion of patients considered to be at high risk (CHD, DM or SCORE ≥ 5%) was 39.2%. Female patients failed to meet targets for systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and glucose, whereas smoking cessation will be the greatest challenge for men. Conclusion: There were relevant gender differences in modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Many patients failed to meet treatment targets.