[Cardiovascular disease surveillance in Tunisia].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the Cardiovascular risk factors trend in community based surveys.

METHOD

Two population surveys were conducted in 1996-97 and 2000-01 in the Ariana region among 7608 adults 35-70 years aged. The surveys were based on: 1--a questionnary, 2--an anthropometrical and physical examination, 3--a biological investigation, and 4--an ECG registration for the second cohort.

RESULTS

Relative to the first survey, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia didn't change significantly while borderline cholesterol increased on both genders, tobacco smoking decreased and ex-smokers increased on men. In both genders, hypertension and diabetes prevalence is low before 50 years but it increased after this age. Risk factors association is common: about 35% have more than two risk factors. This association is more common on women and diabetes-hypertension is the most frequent.

CONCLUSION

These two surveys integrated in a global surveillance program has contributed to assess the CVDs burden and to identify priorities and intervention relevant to epidemiological region context.