High prevalence of peripheral atherosclerosis in a rapidly developing country

Cardiovascular disease is rapidly increasing in developing countries experi encing epidemiological transition. We investigated the prevalence of periph eral atherosclerosis in a rapidly developing country and compared our findi ngs with data previously reported in Western populations. A cardiovascular risk factor survey was conducted in 1067 individuals aged 25-64 randomly se lected from the general population of Seychelles. High-resolution ultrasono graphy of the right and left carotid and femoral arteries was performed in a random subgroup of 503 subjects (245 men and 258 women). In each of the f our arteries, arterial wall thickness tin plaque-free segments) and atheros clerotic plaques (i.e. focal wall thickening at least 1.0 mm thick) were me asured separately. The prevalence of peripheral atherosclerosis was high in this population. For instance, at least one plaque greater than or equal t o 1.0 mm was found in, respectively, 34.9 and 27.5% of men and women aged 2 5-34 and at least one plaque greater than or equal to 2.5 mm was found in, respectively, 58.2 and 36.9% of men and women aged 55-64. With reference to data found in the literature, the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis ap peared to be significantly higher in Seychelles than in Western populations . This study provides further evidence for the importance of cardiovascular disease in developing countries. Determinants should be identified and rel evant prevention and control programs implemented. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scienc e Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.