Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly of Kashan.

Background.The Iranian elderly population is rapidly growing. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of country population would be elderly in the forthcoming twenty years. Structural and physiological changes occurring in the elderly’s cardiovascular system are associated with a higher incidence of CVD in the elderly. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in the elderly.

Method.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 people over 60 years old in Kashan city, Iran, in 2014. Subjects were randomly selected from10healthcare centers of Kashan. A questionnaire was used to collect data including demographics, underlying diseases and risk factors for CVD. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS 11.5.

Findings.The prevalence of risk factors for CVD was high among elderly people.

Conclusion. Teaching individuals, controlling risk factors and screening are suggested. It is also recommended that elderly people  increase physical activities and cease smoking.