Cardiovascular risk factors in first-degree relatives of patients with premature coronary artery disease

Objective - The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of coronary risk factors among Iranian first-degree relatives of patients with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) and compare them with the general population. Methods and results - The study comprised 144 siblings and offspring (aged 25-64 years) of patients with angiographically documented PCAD (< 55 years in men and < 65 years in women). Body mass index, blood pressure and smoking were investigated. Fasting venous blood was analysed for lipids and fasting plasma glucose. The means of measured values and prevalence of risk factors were compared with the results obtained from the Tehran University Population Laboratory Study. Two or more atherosclerosis risk factors were found in 76% of men and 50.3% of women. Prevalence of smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes was 24.3%, 30%, 29.9% and 6.9%, respectively. Total cholesterol and LDL-C levels were higher than desirable in 36.8% and 15.3% of our subjects, respectively, 14.6% had lower HDL-C values and 31.9% presented hypertriglyceridaemia. Overall, 60.4% of cases revealed at least one of the lipid abnormalities. Compared with the Tehran University Population Laboratory Study men showed a higher prevalence of high LDL and triglyceride (TG) levels and obesity. High LDL-C and smoking were found to be more prevalent among women with a family history of premature CAD. Conclusions - The prevalence of coronary risk factors among first-degree relatives of patients with premature CAD is high, especially in men. Risk factor identification and modification should be considered in individuals with a positive family history of premature CAD.