Abstract:
Introduction: Patients in lower socioeconomic groups have the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status and modifiable CVD risk factors in CCU patients. Methods: Patients presenting to the Middlemore Hospital CCU from July 2004 to June 2006 with a CVD admission were screened when clinically stable using the Acute Predict system which electronically collects CVD risk factor data. Socioeconomic status was estimated using the NZ deprivation 2001 index (NZDep01) quintiles 1–5 corresponding to increasing deprivation. Logistic regression was performed adjusting for age and sex to investigate the relationship between NZDep01 and failure to meet targets for modifiable CVD risk factors. Results: Of 1813 patients admitted to the CCU with a CVD related event, 973 had an Acute Predict assessment completed. There were 129 patients in quintile 1 and 434 in quintile 5. Conclusion: Patients living in the poorest areas are significantly more likely to be smokers and have a constellation of risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. This information may guide development of both primary and secondary prevention programs.