Prevalence of major coronary heart disease risk factors in Iran

Background and aims: Coronary heart diseases (CHDs) contribute to mortality, morbidity, disability, productivity and quality of life. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of major risk factors for CHD in the provinces of Iran. Methods: This study reported pre-existing data and was of secondary, descriptive type. Prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors was defined for the provinces of Iran. A reliable report of NCD risk factors, the national surveillance program conducted in Iran, such as type II diabetes, hypertension and mean body mass index (BMI), smoking, hookah smoking, high cholesterol and obesity was used. Results: The highest and lowest prevalence of hypertension was obtained in Bushehr (20.85%) and Yazd (12.86%) provinces, respectively. The highest mean BMI was reported from Mazandaran province (26) and the lowest from Sistan and Baluchestan province (22.50). Qom province had the highest prevalence of diabetes (27.65%). The highest prevalence of high cholesterol was obtained in Lorestan province (50.87 %) and the lowest in the Khouzestan province (22.71%). East Azarbaijan province had the highest prevalence of smoking (14.8%) and Kurdistan province the lowest (0.16%). Hookah smoking was most prevalent in Hormozgan province (7.62%). The highest prevalence of physical activities was reported from Sistan and Baluchestan province (47.84%) and the lowest from Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (22.2%). Conclusion: Prevalence of CHD risk factors is the main priority for the Iranian health system. There is a need for intervention programs in the provinces which are at greater risk as well as for modification of people’s lifestyle.