Prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Canadians 55 to 74 years of age: results from the Canadian Heart Health Surveys, 1986-1992

Background: By 2016, the proportion of Canadians older than 65 years of age will increase to 16%, and there will be an increase in the absolute number of cases of cardiovascular disease in older Canadians. The Canadian Heart Health Surveys database provides information about this population upon whi ch health policy related to cardiovascular disease can be based. This paper presents for the first time population-based data on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in older Canadians. Methods: Canadians from all 10 provinces participated in surveys of cardiov ascular risk factors; health insurance registries were used as sampling fra mes. in each province, probability samples of 2200 adults 18 to 74 years ol d not living in institutions, on reserves or in military camps were asked t o participate in interviews and to undergo testing at clinics for major ris k factors for cardiovascular disease. Results: A total of 2739 men (response rate 70%) and 2617 women (response r ate 66%) aged 55 to 74 years participated in the survey and also provided f ollow-up clinical measurements at the clinic. Overall, 52% of participants were hypertensive, 26% had isolated systolic hypertension, and 30% had a to tal blood cholesterol level of 6.2 mmol/L or greater. Rates of current smok ing were lower in women than men (17% v. 22%). Overall, 87% of men and 78% of women who were current smokers smoked at feast 10 cigarettes per day. On ly slightly more than half of participants exercised at least once a week f or at least 15 minutes, and almost half had a body mass index of 27 or grea ter. In only 4% was no major risk factor for cardiovascular disease detecte d. Interpretation: Significant numbers of older Canadians have one or more maj or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many of these risk factors are amenable to modification.