Prevalence and correlates of coronary heart disease: first population-based study in Lebanon

Abstract

Background

Lebanon is experiencing a growing epidemic of coronary heart diseases (CHDs), as most low- and middle-income countries currently are. However, this growth can be attenuated if effective preventive strategies are adopted.

Purpose

To provide the first national population-based prevalence of CHD and to describe the profile of Lebanese adults with prevalent CHD.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sample across Lebanon. We interviewed residents aged 40 years and older using a questionnaire that captured the presence of CHDs and their risk factors (RFs).

Results

Our study showed that 13.4% of the Lebanese population aged ≥40 years suffer from a prevalent CHD. CHD seemed to appear more prematurely than in developed countries, and males seemed to be more subject to CHD than females until a certain age. CHD was associated with older age, male sex, a lower economic situation, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, having a family history of premature cardiovascular diseases, and suffering from diabetes. However, smoking and waist circumference did not seem to have an independent effect on CHD, but rather an effect mediated by biological RFs.

Conclusion

This is the first nationwide endeavor conducted in Lebanon to assess the prevalence of CHD. This study also confirms the relevance of the classic RFs of CHD and their applicability to the Lebanese population, thus allowing for prevention strategies.

Keywords:

• coronary heart disease
• correlates
• epidemiology
• prevalence
• risk factors

Acknowledgments

The Foundation thanks all employees and students who participated in data collection and implementation of this study, particularly in isolated rural areas despite the political and security situation. Grateful thanks and recognition to Dr Ghada Al Sayed for her involvement and coordination.

The following medical students are acknowledged; Abdel Majid Abdel Kader, Abeer Shbaro, Alaa Mesri, Alamir Noureddine Alayoubi, Ali Ibrahim, Ali Jaafar, Amal Younes, Amani Chahine, Baraah Nachar, Elia Awad, Elias Assaf, Farah Assi, Farah Mansour, Faten Mansouri, Fatima Al Atab, Hasan Farhat, Hasan Joumaa, Hussein Yassin, Iman Jaafar, Imtissal Krayem, Inaam Issa, Issa Harmouche, Joyce Saliba, Khouloud Hassan, Laila Tabash, Lama Labaki, Lama Mortada, Layal Baddour, Liliane Issa, Loujayne Osman, Malak Hasan, Manal Ghandour, Mariam Abboud, Mariam Fakih, Maritta Khawand, Marwa Harakeh, Maryam Sinno, Mhammad Darwich, Mohamad Ayoub, Mohammad Khodor, Mona Fakih, Narjes Jaafar, Norma Dahdah, Nour Labaki, Nour Mahdi, Omar El Mawas, Oula Mesri, Patrick Sarkis, Rana Kandar, Rasheed BouDiab, Richard Bedran, Rima El Baset, Rita Daher, Samar Siblani, Shahah Hashem, Souad BouHarb, Widad Chami, Wissam Yassin, Younes Mahmoud, Youness Hassan, Zainah Majed, Zeina Nasser.

The study was conducted in 60/100 circumscriptions as independent study by the Foundation-Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI^®) as sole sponsor with its own human, technical, and financial supports.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.