Risk factors for cerebrovascular disease according to the screening of middle-aged population of Ulyanovsk

The planning and assessment of therapeutic and preventive measures aimed at decreasing the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are impossible without reliable information concerning basic epidemiologic characteristics and risk factors (RF) for these disorders. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of risk factors for CVD among people aged 40–59 years old. As a part of a general population screening 157 males and 343 females underwent standardized examination. Data obtained from the study suggest the following prevalence of RF: positive family history of cardiovascular diseases – 17%, hypertension – 47%, ischemic heart disease – 9%, diabetes – 3.4%, atrial fibrillation – 1.8%, transient ischemic attacks – 1.4%, hypertensive cerebral crisis – 5.6%. Behavioural risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol abuse and low physical activity, were also assessed. Differences in frequency of risk factors detection depending on sex, age and education have been furthermore demonstrated. These data substantiate the necessity of improving the effectiveness of preventive measures among people aged 40–59 years old, and might be used for planning and assessment of the therapeutic and preventive care.