This study surveyed all cardiologists in a large coalition of cardiology groups. A
1-page, 25-item anonymous questionnaire containing 3 sections (demographics, medical
history, and current medications and supplements) was used. Data from returned questionnaires
were analyzed and compared with those in national databases. Eight hundred surveys
were sent, and complete data were available for analysis on 471 (59%). The average
age of the participants was 48.6 years; 7.1% were women. The average body mass index
(BMI) was 25 kg/m2, and 8% were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2); 1.3% were active smokers; 89% exercised ≥1 time/week; and 72% had ≥1 alcoholic
drink/week. Red wine was the most frequently consumed alcoholic beverage. Associated
cardiovascular risks included dyslipidemia (28%), hypertension (14%), and diabetes
mellitus (0.6%). Four percent had experienced coronary events. Compared with matched
cohorts from the United States (US) population, cardiologists reported lower rates
of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, and the rates of smoking and
obesity were 1/18 and 1/3 those of the US population, respectively. Aspirin and statins
were each taken daily by about 1/3 of the participants. A cardiologist with dyslipidemia
was 5 times as likely to be treated and a cardiologist with hypertension was almost
twice as likely to be treated as an American adult man with either of these disorders,
respectively. In conclusion, cardiologists appear to follow healthier lifestyles than
the general adult US population.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: February 27, 2006
Accepted:
October 12,
2005
Received in revised form:
October 12,
2005
Received:
September 13,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
