Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is expected to become one of the major health problems in developing countries such as Thailand where prevalence data are scarce.

This study reports the prevalence of CHD, as indicated by electrocardiogram (ECG) Minnesota coding, and its risk factors in Thailand.

Methods In 1991 we conducted a cross-sectional ECG survey in a multistage random sample of the Thai population, aged=30.

All major cardiovascular risk factors were measured.

Standard supine 12-lead ECG data were collected ; amplitudes and intervals were measured manually and entered into a computer.

Abnormal tracings were verified by five cardiologists, and agreement among at least three of them was accepted as final.

Results The total sample included 3822 men and 4967 women aged =30 years.

The age-standardized prevalence rate of CHD was 9.9/1000 (men 9.2/1000, women 10.7/1000).

The age-standardized level of major cardiovascular risk factors among men and women respectively were :

• total cholesterol 4.8 mmol/l (187.3 mg/dl), 5.1 mmol/l (197.7 mg/dl) ;

• hypercholesterolaemia (=6.2 mmol/l) 12.2%, 16.9% ;

• systolic blood pressure (mmHg) 117.8,117.7 ;

• diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) 76.9,75.8 ;

• body mass index (kg/m2) 21.7,22.8 ;

• lasting blood sugar 4.8 mmol/l (87.9 mg/dl), 5.0 mmol/l (90.3 mg/dl) ;

• hypertension (=160/95± on antihypertensive drugs) 6.3%, 8.1% ;

• smoking 65.1%, 8.5% ;

• diabetes mellitus (=7.8 mmol/l) 2.4%, 3.7% ;

• obesity (>25 kg/m2) 15.2%, 27.2%. (...)