Risk factors for coronary artery disease in persons older than 62 years in a long-term health care facility

Abstract

A history of smoking 5 to 60 cigarettes per day, hypercholesterolemia (fasting total serum cholesterol 200 mg/dl or more), history of systolic (160 mm Hg or more) or diastolic (90 mm Hg or more) hypertension, diabetes mellitus (fasting venous plasma glucose 140 mg/dl or more) and obesity (at least 20% above ideal body weight) were correlated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in 138 men (mean age 82 ± 8 years) and 380 women (mean age 82 ± 8 years) in a long-term health care facility. CAD occurred in 43 of 138 men (31%) and in 103 of 380 women (27%), difference not significant. A history of smoking 5 to 60 cigarettes per day significantly correlated with CAD in men (p < 0.001) but not in women. Hypercholesterolemia significantly correlated with CAD in both men (p < 0.001) and women (p < 0.005). A history of systemic hypertension significantly correlated with CAD in women (p < 0.001) but not in men. Diabetes mellitus did not significantly correlate with CAD in men or women but weakly correlated with CAD in men plus women (p < 0.05). Obesity did not significantly correlate with CAD in men or women. Hypercholesterolemia, a history of smoking 5 to 60 cigarettes per day, and a history of systemic hypertension were considered major risk factors. Having 2 or 3 major risk factors correlated with CAD significantly better than having no or 1 major risk factor in both elderly men (p < 0.001, p < 0.01) and women (p < 0.001).