Objective: The objectives of this study are: 1) to determine the prevalence of 3 atherosclerotic diseases (angina, stroke and claudication) in the Philippines; and 2) to determine the prevalence of 5 risk factors for these diseases (dyslipedemia, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and smoking). Methodology: Using a multi-staged cluster sampling methodology, this study evaluated 4,753 adults aged 20 or more, from 2,636 households, 79 provinces and 17 regions. The survey instruments included validated questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests. Results: The prevalence rates of angina, stroke and claudication in adult Filipinos were 12.5 percent, 1.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. The prevalence rates of various risk factors were 8.5 percent for hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol > 240mg/dl), 4.6 percent for diabetes (based on fasting blood sugar >125mg/dl or a previous history of diabetes), and 17.4 percent for hypertension (BP >140/90 mm Hg on 2 visits, or a previous history of hypertension). The prevalence of obesity was 3.2 percent in men and 6.6 percent in women when body mass index (BMI) was used. These rates rose to 12.1 percent and 54.8 percent respectively when waist-hip ratio (WHR) was used. The prevalence of current smoking was 56.3 percent in men, 12.1 percent in women, and 34.8 percent overall. Smoking, by far, was the most common risk factor noted. Discussion: These data on atherosclerosis-related diseases and risk factors from the NNHeS provide clinicians and policy-makers a bird's eye view of the Philippine situation with respect to vascular disease and its risk factors. These data may be used for policy formulation and program prioritization. In addition, the information may serve as baseline measures to evaluate the success or failure of atherosclerosis control programs in the country. A 2nd NNHeS is planned in the year 2008.

Atherosclerosis ; Coronaryartery Disease ; Cerebrovascular Accident ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Hypertension ; Dyslipidemias ; Smoking ; Obesity