Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among the Sharif University of Technologystudents.

Background. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality and disability in Iran and obesity is considered as one of the main causes. The primary prevention is a solution for prevention of this disease, especially from an early age. The studies regarding prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors are limited and unavailable in the university students especially in engineering students. 

Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 223 Sharif University of Technology students (150 male, mean age 20.33؛ and 73 female, mean age 20.36).  Data were collected by using questionnaire, blood analysis and anthropometric measurements.

Findings.The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.29% (male: 22.66%, female12.33%) and central obesity based on waist circumference index was 21.97% (male: 18%, female: 30.14%). Also, 60.09% of subjects were inactive and 43.5% had low HDL-C. High triglyceride levels and hypertension were observed in subjects (12.21% and 14.8%, respectively). There were at least two cardiovascular risk factors in 87% of subjects. There were positive correlations of body mass index with systolic blood pressure (r =0.224, P=0.0005) and triglyceride (r=0.147, P=0.014) and negative correlation between body mass index and HDL-C (r=-0.189, P=0.002).

Conclusion. The results showed that the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is high among the students therefore, it is necessary to provide an appropriate evaluation and solution for prevention and health promotion.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate anthropometric indices in acute myocardial infarction patients and their relationship with  some coronary heart disease risk factors.

Background. Several studies showed that not only the quantity, but also the distribution of the fat mass is important, because increased visceral fat tissue deposition is a risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases.

Method. In this cross-sectional study with a descriptive correlational design, 140 patients with acute myocardial infarction were selected from cardiac care unit of Shariati and Rajaei hospital in Karaj, 2009. The sampling method was convenience. Demographic data and history of cardiovascular risk factors were collected through interview, and some medical information were reviewed from medical records, anthropometric indices were measured by balance scale and meter tape. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson coefficient correlation.

Findings. Neck circumference of 46.6% of men was over 40cm and 33.3% of women more than 37cm. Also, 53.9% of men and 74.1% of women had a waist circumference above 95 cm. Waist-to-hip ratio of 66.4% of men over 0.95 and 66.7% of women over 0.90. Waist-to-height ratio of 61.9%% of men over 0.55 and 66.7% of women over 0.62. Also, 13.3% of males and 29.6% of women had a BMI above 30 kg/m².There were significant positive correlation between triglyceride levels with neck circumference (p=0.006), waist circumference (p<0.001), waist-to-height ratio (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001), between cholesterol with neck circumference (p=0.009), waist circumference (p=0.001), waist-to-height ratio (p=0.003) and BMI (p<0.001), between LDL with waist circumference (P=0.005), waist-to-height ratio (p=0.014) and between glucose with waist-to-height (p=0.038). HDL had negative correlation with Waist-to-hip ratio (p<0.001) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.001).

Conclusion. More than half of myocardial infarction patients had central obesity. Central obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. It Seems that lifestyle change and weight loss are to be considered during cardiac rehabilitation programs for myocardial infarction patients with overweight and obesity for reduces cardiovascular risk factors.