Prevention of ischaemic cardio-vascular disease in the primary health sector. Distribution of risk factors in a risk group

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

The group practice project in Naestved consists of experimental activity in the primary health sector where attempts are made to prevent ischaemic cardiovascular disease by integration of epidemiology and practice. Out of 10,581 patients aged 16-59 years attached to the Medical Centre, St. Jorgen's Park, Naestved, a risk population of 444 individuals with raised blood-pressures could be separated. Data could be collected concerning this risk population by means of questionnaires and laboratory investigations concerning a series of risk factors for the development of ischaemic cardio-vascular disease such as smoking, lack of physical activity, stress, obesity, raised serum cholesterol, diabetes mellitus and familial predisposition. This article describes the distribution of these factors. It was found that weight and the absence of physical activity assume the leading places in addition to the problem of raised blood-pressure. Two thirds of these patients were classified as being at least 20% overweight and lack of physical activity was found in over half of the patients. Only 12% of the risk population had raised blood-pressure as the only problem and, in more than half of the patients, at least two other risk factors were present. Ischaemic cardio-vascular disease must be considered to be the result of a complex of conditions, many of which are part of our daily routine. The preventive efforts of the primary health sector must commence in a total evaluation of the concrete situation, partly where the individual is concerned and partly where local groups and communities are concerned and in co-operation with local group associations and organizations.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftUgeskrift for Laeger
Vol/bind141
Udgave nummer39
Sider (fra-til)2695-2700
Antal sider6
ISSN0041-5782
StatusUdgivet - 1 jan. 1979

ID: 202294645