Balcova heart study: rationale and methodology of the Turkish cohort

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Abstract
Objectives Turkey is facing increasing rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study is designed to meet the growing need to obtain information about the recent status and trends of CVD risk factors and their impact on mortality. Methods Balcova heart study (BHS) is a prospective cohort study, focusing on reducing the CVD risk factors of people over 30 years old living in Balcova District, Izmir, Turkey. Information about risk factors, anthropometric and biochemical measurements was collected in community centers. Interventions were planned, based on the 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and lifestyle characteristics with the collaboration of university and municipality. Results Mean age of the 16,080 participants was 52 years. The percentage of current smoking was 41.6 in men and 31.1 in women. One-third of the men were physically inactive. Hypertension was reported as 25% in men and 33% in women. Conclusions The project is unique for being the first community-based cohort on CVD risk factors in a Turkish setting. This project will have a valuable contribution on not only determining CVD risks, but also incorporating interventions for prevention.