[Cardiovascular risk factors and occupation: results of the health survey of the German Cardiovascular Prevention Study].

It is examined which occupation specific differences exist in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in the Federal Republic of Germany (old federal states). The following risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were considered: cigarette smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL-cholesterol, obesity, diabetes mellitus, lack of physical activity and Type-A behavior. Data basis are the national and regional health surveys, conducted in the framework of the German Cardiovascular Prevention Study between 1984 and 1991. 17,596 males and 17,403 females, aged 25-69 years, were included in the analysis. Occupations were coded according to the classification of the Germany Federal Statistical Office. With the exception of Type-A behavior it was found for all cardiovascular disease risk factors that higher prevalence rates exist for less qualified occupations. The differences in risk factor prevalence were strongest for obesity and lack of physical activity. Only minor differences were found for hypercholesterolemia. This analysis confirms the results of other studies that health related aspects in the lifestyles of the most qualified occupational groups (professionals, managers, engineers) are characterized by non-smoking, leisure-time physical activity and avoidance of overweight. Up to now, there are no hints that these lifestyles may be adopted from members of less qualified occupations as well.