International Collaborative Study of Cardiovascular Disease in Asia (InterASIA)

A national cross-sectional survey of cardiovascular disease risk factors in China and Thailand

Investigators
Jiang He, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator
Paul K. Whelton, MD, MSc, Co-Principal Investigator

Funding Agent
Pfizer Inc.

Participating Institutes
Tulane University
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Description
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and the majority of those deaths occurred in economically developing countries, with many occurring in Asia. The burden of cardiovascular disease in Asia is projected to increase, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of total disease burden, over the next twenty years. The emergence of cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death in this region, in large part, is a result of the rapid economic growth and associated socio-demographic changes that have occurred over the past few decades. Over this period, while the burden of infectious disease has fallen, changes in lifestyle and diet, and an increase in life expectancy have resulted in a greatly increased burden of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Information about the prevalence and treatment of risk factors would greatly facilitate the development of effective strategies for the control of cardiovascular disease in this region.

The overall objective of the International Collaborative Study of Cardiovascular Disease in ASIA (InterASIA) is to estimate the prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity, in the general population of China and Thailand. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select a nationally representative sample of 15,838 adults aged 35–74 years in China and 5,350 adults in Thailand. Data on medical history, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, and awareness and control of risk factors for cardiovascular disease were collected. Blood pressure, body weight and height, and hip and waist circumferences were measured using standard methods. Fasting blood specimens were collected to measure total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and creatinine levels. All data were carefully collected by specially trained, experienced observers using standardized methods and a stringent level of quality control.
The InterASIA study provides important information on the current prevalence and control of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in the region. These findings will be useful for developing national strategies to reduce the large and increasing burden of cardiovascular disease in China and Thailand.