Risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in a worker population in Isfahan province (Isfahan Electricity Production and Distribution Company)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is known as a health threat worldwide. In Iran, similar to other countries, CVD is the first leading cause of death. Higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factor leads to the higher prevalence of CVD. Previous studies revealed that CVD prevention depends on healthy lifestyle and people’s behavior. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among occupational population of the Isfahan Electricity Production and Distribution Company and to plan a strategy for CVD prevention in this population. This cross-sectional study was conducted on all 585 occupational populations of Isfahan Electricity Production and Distribution Company in 1999. Data collection was based on questionnaire including demographic characteristics, medical history, and physical examination. Information on sex, age, education, occupation, marital status, smoking, physical activity, and sleeping hours were obtained as demographic characteristics, CVD risk factor and non-communicable disease history as medical history. Height, weight, waist circumstance, hip circumstance, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride (TG) were tested for each person. Finding of this study showed that out of total population, 4.2% had high FBS, 33.3% high LDL-C, 48.2% high total cholesterol, 26.4% low HDL-C, and 51% had high TG. Obesity was seen in 13.6%, overweight in 46.7%, abdominal obesity in 42.8%, and sedentary lifestyle in 75%. In addition, 16.4% were current smoker and 5.8% of them were ex-smoker. Furthermore, those with hypertension and diabetes were 16% and 7.2%, respectively. Considering high prevalence of CVD risk factors in occupational population of Isfahan Electricity Production and Distribution Company, recognition of CVD risk factors could provide ground for interventional programs to prevent CVD in this company and maybe in other similar companies.