The Ontario Health Survey was conducted in 1990 by the Ontario Ministry of Health to assess the health status of the province's population. Self reports of health status and problems, treatment, and risk factor profiles were collected by interviewer and self-completed questionnaires. The present report addresses the prevalence and distribution patterns of cardiovascular disease and selected risk factors and is based on data from 44,000 residents of Ontario aged 18 years and older. Data collected from the survey demonstrate that the incidence of circulatory disease was 3% and heart disease was 4% in the population of Ontario. As well, the prevalence rates for selected cardiovascular risk factors were: high blood pressure (10%), diabetes (3%), smoking (31%), obesity (25%), and inactivity (72%) and are reported as a function of age category and sex. These findings are compared with the prevalence of risk factors in other regions of Canada. This information provides a basis for the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive programs that are aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors and mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease.
This review of the literature focuses on risk factors of smoking, hypertension, obesity, and family history that are associated with the development of coronary heart disease. The prevalence of these cardiac risk factors are incorporated from several Canadian health surveys. Health professionals in cardiovascular settings can use the information to develop cardiac teaching programs to promote awareness and healthy cardiac practices in the Canadian population.
This descriptive study assessed recognition of symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) by community members and their ability to respond to emergency situations with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. One thousand questionnaires were randomly mailed to residents with a response rate of 48.1%. Results indicated that residents have limited awareness of symptoms of MI other than demonstrated chest pain and that 20.6% of the respondents had taken a CPR course. CPR courses were taken by 9.6% of respondents who had one or more relatives diagnosed with heart disease. The lack of awareness of symptoms of MI and limited ability to perform CPR skills in emergency situations by community residents may contribute to the high mortality rates due to heart disease. Results of the study suggest that educational campaigns be instituted in the community under study to promote recognition of and response to cardiac emergencies.
In this descriptive study the perceptions and practices of community residents concerning three risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (obesity, inactivity, and stress) and their prevalence were assessed. One thousand questionnaires were randomly mailed to residents of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada with a response rate of 48.1%. The results suggest that all three risk factors under study could be contributing to the significantly higher mortality rates in Thunder Bay due to coronary heart disease (when compared to provincial norms). Programs should be developed in the community under study to promote awareness of cardiac risk factors and strategies developed to reduce these risk factors.
This descriptive study assessed the prevalence, perceptions and practices of community residents concerning three risk factors most commonly associated with coronary heart disease: smoking behaviour, hypertension and elevated blood cholesterol/dietary factors. One thousand questionnaires were randomly mailed to residents with a response rate of 48.1%. Results indicated that residents identify smoking and dietary factors as major risks for the development of heart disease. Although the prevalence of hypertension and the frequency of blood pressure screening was similar to other provincial and community surveys that investigated cardiac behaviours, differences were found with the prevalence of smoking behaviour, the frequency of blood cholesterol screening, and knowledge and practices of dietary behaviour. As a result of the study, target groups have been identified and programs have been recommended to meet community needs.
