sex differences in conventional and some behavioral cardiovascular risk factors, analysis of the prevention clinic database

background: an increase in cardiovascular disease (cvd) frequency was observed over the past three decades in low- and middle income countries, especially in iran. the purpose of the present study was to review and compare the frequencies of conventional and some non-conventional cvd risk factors between men and women in a tertiary level referral cardiovascular teaching hospital in a six month period in the north of iran.   methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using medical databases including conventional risk factors: opium consumption, physical inactivity, high salt diet, and serum vitamin d level. the chi-square and independent t tests were used to assess the differences between groups.   results: a total of 740 (55% women) who had available full medical history data were recruited in the study. approximately 62% of the participants were older than 45 years with the mean age of 54 (14.2) years old. percentages of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity in women were significantly higher than those of men ( p <0.05). a total of 50% of all the participants were physically inactive. men had higher frequency of opium and saltshaker use than women ( p <0.05).   conclusion: the current study indicated that despite the importance of conventional cvd risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, educational programs should be considered to improve physical activity and reducing salt consumption and awareness about opium use complications.