Awareness of cardiovascular disease in eastern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and their determinants in a screening campaign in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All national residents in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a screening campaign for the early detection of diabetes and hypertension at more than 300 examination posts throughout the eastern province. A pre-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data on age, gender, marital status, education level, occupation, lifestyle habits, and history of heart attack, angina, arterial disease, stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Weight, height, blood pressure, and glucose concentration were measured. RESULTS: Out of 197,681 participants, 5372 (2.7%) were aware of a history of a CVD. The prevalence correlated well with age. It was higher in women, widows, and subjects with lower level of education. More than 75% of affected subjects had two or more risk factors. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of those with a history of CVD had multiple risk factors, necessitating an effective, focused policy for the prevention and treatment. Increased effort is required to promote an awareness of cardiac disease and also probably target primary care providers involved in the screening process.

Control of hypertension in eastern saudi arabia: results of screening campaign.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the pattern of follow-up and level of hypertension control according to sociodemographic, and clinical risk factors in the participants of a screening campaign. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In 2004, all Saudi residents in the Eastern Province, aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a screening campaign for the early detection of diabetes and hypertension. A structured questionnaire was completed during a face-to-face interview. The presence of hypertension and the place of follow-up were recorded. Blood pressure was measured by trained nurses using a mercury sphygmomanometer, according to the recommendations of The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VII). RESULTS: Thirteen point one percent of the participants had been previously diagnosed as having hypertension. In 34.3% of them, blood pressure was controlled, while 40.8% had combined uncontrolled SBP and DBP, 14.4% had isolated uncontrolled SBP, and 10.5% had isolated uncontrolled DBP. The blood pressure control was inversely associated with age. It was higher in women, singles, the educated, in those with BMI of less than 25 kg/m(2), and in those with positive history of CVD (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Co-morbidities relevant for hypertension are very prevalent, so aggressive BP control is mandatory.

Overweight and obesity in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe anthropometric characteristics of participants and the influence of sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors involved in the prevalence of obesity in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In the year 2004, all Saudi residents in the Eastern province aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a community screening campaign for early detection of diabetes and hypertension. Demographic data, medical history, life habits, weight, height, blood pressure, and glucose concentration were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Obesity and overweight were defined by body mass index (BMI) >or=30 kg/m2 and 25-29.9 kg/m2, respectively. Logistic regression was used to predict the association of the significant factors with the prevalence of obesity. RESULTS: Out of 195,874 participants, the overall prevalence of obesity was 43.8%, while 35.1% were overweight. The prevalence of underweight was 1.3%. The peak prevalence of obesity was observed in the age group 50-59 years. Obesity was higher among women than men, higher in housewives, and among the less educated than others (p<0.0001). Linear regression analysis showed a strong proportional association of BMI with diabetes, hypertension, triglycerides and cholesterol, and an inverse proportional association with physical activity and smoking CONCLUSION: Obesity and overweight constitute an important health problem affecting a high proportion of Saudi population. Addressing associated factors, and enhancing public health education is an important aim to focus on for weight control.