RISK-FACTORS FOR CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS - COMPARISON BETWEEN 2 ARGENTINE REGIONS

The prevalence of risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis were studi ed in two population samples, Northeast (Posadas, n = 498) and South ( Viedma, C. Rivadavia and Cipolletti, n = 652) of 20 years and older, m ales and females. The diet in the Northeast (n = 102) contained more m onounsaturated acids and polyunsaturated acids than the one in the Sou th (n = 62), 9.5 +/- 4.1 vs. 8.1 +/- 3.5% TCV (Total Caloric Value) (P < 0.02) and 8.1 +/- 4.1 vs. 6.2 +/- 3.0 % TCV (P < 0,001) respectivel y. The P/S relationship was greater in the Northeast, 1.02 +/- 0.44 vs . 0.85 +/- 0.50 (P < 0,001). Total cholesterol (TC) in the Northeast w as less than in the South, in males 176 +/- 41 vs. 213 +/- 43 mg/dl (P < 0.001); CLDL (LDL cholesterol) 109 +/- 37 vs. 141 +/- 41 mg/dl (P < 0.001). The most frequent risk factors in the South vs. Northeast (ma les) were: TC greater-than-or-equal-to 240 mg/dl, 26.7% vs. 9.5% (P < 0.001); LDL-C greater-than-or-equal-to 160 mg/dl, 30.3% vs. 10.9% (P < 0.001); Cig greater-than-or-equal-to 10/d (equal or more than 10 ciga rettes per day), 30.0% vs. 16.4% (P < 0.001). The hypertension prevale nce (HTA, 160/95), in males, was higher in the Northeast than in the S outh, 23.7% vs. 11.5% (P < 0.001). BMI > 27 Kg/m2 was higher in the wo men of Northeast than in the South, 38.4% vs. 24.2% (P < 0.001). In th e males of the Northeast, the combination Cig greater-than-or-equal-to 10/d and HTA, 4.1 vs 0.9% was more common; in the South Cig greater-t han-or-equal-to 10/d and LDL-C greater-than-or-equal-to 160 mg/d, 8.2% vs. 1.8% (P < 0.001) was more common. The differences in the prevalen ce of the risk factors between the population samples indicate the nee d to plan the prevention of coronary atherosclerosis locally.