CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE RISK-FACTORS AND O CCUPATION - RESULTS OF THE HEALTH SURVEYS OF THE GERMAN CARDIOVASCULAR PREVENTION STUDY

It is examined which occupation specific differences exist in the prev alence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in the Federal Republic of Germany (old federal states). The following risk factors for cardio vascular diseases were considered. Cigarette smoking, hypertension, hy percholesterolemia, low HDL-cholesterol, obesity diabetes mellitus, la ck of physical activity and Type-A behavior Data basis are the nationa l and regional health surveys, conducted in the framework of the Germa n Cardiovascular Prevention Study between 1984 and 1991. 17596 males a nd 17403 females, aged 25-69 years, were included in the analysis. Occ upations were coded according to the classification of the Germany Fed eral Statistical Office. With the exception of Type-A behavior it was found for all cardiovascular disease risk factors that higher prevalen ce rates exist for less qualified occupations. The differences in risk factor prevalence were strongest for obesity and lack of physical act ivity. Only minor differences were found for hypercholesterolemia. Thi s analysis confirms the results of other studies that health related a spects in the lifestyles of-the most qualified occupational groups (pr ofessionals, managers, engineers) are characterized by non-smoking, le isure-time physical activity and avoidance of overweight Up to now, th ere are no hints that these lifestiles may be adopted from members of less qualified occupations as well.