Comparison of cardiovascular risk factors in five regions of Thailand: InterASIA data

Abstract

Background: Age- and sex- standardized mortality rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was high in Bangkok and central Thailand in the year 2000. This may partially be related to differences in risk factors. Objective: To compare prevalence of CVD risk factors among regions in Thailand in the same period. Material and Method: From a survey in 2000 (InterASIA) which involved 5 regions in Thailand, conventional CVD risk factors were compared multivariate-wise among regions and subsequently aligned with CVD deaths obtained within similar regions from the registry. Results: Bangkok and a central province had a higher prevalence of the following: hypertension, elevated body mass index, large waist circumference, elevated lipid associated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol and diabetes mellitus. The Northeast had a higher prevalence of smoking, low values of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and high triglyceride. Conclusion: Definite regional differences existed of CVD risks and death in Thailand in 2000. Some of the metabolic risk factors may be more important than smoking in the link with CVD death in Thailand.