Aim: To describe the distribution of the major cardiovascular risk factors among older men and women in the Auckland region, New Zealand.
Methods: Means and prevalences of the major cardiovascular risk factors were estimated for non-Maori, non-Pacific Islands men and women in the age groups 65-74 and 75-84 years using data from the 1993-4 survey of the University of Auckland Heart and Health Study, a cross-sectional, population-based study of cardiovascular risk factors.
Results: 996 people aged 65-84 years participated, with men and women and the two ten-year age groups almost equally represented. Fewer than half engaged in regular leisure time physical activity; around 35% were overweight (BMI 25-30) and 10% were obese (BMI > 30). Total mean cholesterol levels were higher in women and 46% of women had a cholesterol level > or = 6.5 mmol/L compared with only 17% of men. However, total cholesterol:HDL ratios were higher among men. Age and sex differences in blood pressure were small. Around 50% had raised blood pressure (BP > 150/90) or were currently on antihypertensive medication; only 8% smoked; around 6% were diabetic. Almost 8% had three or all of four major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (elevated blood pressure, total cholesterol:HDL ratio > or = 6.5, current smoking and physical inactivity).
Conclusions: These results are broadly comparable to those from other Western populations. Differences between 65-74 and 75-84 year age groups are few but important differences in cholesterol, smoking and physical activity between older men and women are noted. These findings indicate that there is considerable potential for prevention of cardiovascular disease among older people.