[Risk factors of atherosclerosis and awareness of risk in employees of a Viennese insurance company]

Abstract

In Austria still more than 50% of overall mortality are due to cardiovascular diseases. An efficient prevention via change of life-style has been proven. We started with an intervention-trial in a Viennese insurance company. 667 persons (50.7% m, 49.1% f, 0.1% no declaration) participated in the basic examination. The mean cholesterol level was 221.85 +/- 43.87 mg/dl, being clearly above the threshold value of 200 mg/dl. In spite of the fact, that 69.7% of the female and 65.5% of the male had elevated serum cholesterol only 1.8% already took lipid lowering drugs. Participants with a positive family history (myocardial infarction) had significantly elevated cholesterol (228.2 +/- 49.4 mg/dl vs 219.7 +/- 50.4 mg/dl). Another point we were drawing special attention to was the knowledge of the participants about the risk factors of atherosclerosis. Only 13% of the males and 13.8% of the females knew their cholesterol level. 11.5% of the males and 15.9% of the females were aware of the threshold value of cholesterol. Intervention strategies (information campaign, works kitchen) have been initiated. A possible beneficial effect will be examined in biannual follow-up examinations.