Selected risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Saudi men

Abstract EN

-A total sample of 690 male Saudi faculty members of King Saud University were screened for blood parameters (total cholesterol TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C, blood triglycerides (TG), blood sugar (BS)), and for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP,DBP) in order to investigate the coronary heart disease risk factors (CHDRF) in a fairly sedentary affluent segment of the society.

Mean values of these parameters were within normal ranges, however calculated mean body mass index (BMI,kg/m2) have indicated prevalence of overweight among the cohort.

High blood pressure SBP > 160 mm Hg was not prevalent among younger participants age < 35, nor among normal weight BMI < 25.

About 4.3 % of the total population studied showed this elevation.

However, 14.5 % of the group were with a raised DBP (>90mm Hg).

Similar percentages of those with elevations in blood lipids and glucose were observed.

The importance of public awareness, at all socioeconomic levels, in regard to the cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, related lifestyle, and food consumption patterns are therefm·e recommended