[Prevalence of ischemic heart disease and risk factors for its development among the 40 to 59-year-old male population of different ethnic groups in the city of Frunze].

An epidemiologic study of 40- to 59-year-old males was carried out in order to assess the effect of ethnic characteristics and migration from high-altitude (2,000-3,500 m above sea-level) Tien Shan areas to Frunze (760 m above sea-level) and vice versa on the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and coronary risk factors. High CHD prevalence was demonstrated in the Kirghizes (13.9%), Europeans (12.8%), and other central Asian nations (8.3%). Europeans showed high prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH, 27.7%), hypercholesterolemia (28.5%) and smoking (48.4%). The prevalence of AH was significantly higher in the Kirghizes permanently residing at low altitudes as compared to a similar European population. Increased incidence of CHD and AH was noted in the highlanders who had come down to live in Frunze.