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Objective: To evaluate the effects and clinical prognosis of out-patient department-based smoking cessation services for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients., Methods: A total of 140 smoking patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease in our cardiovascular department were randomly divided into the intensive smoking cessation clinic follow-up group (intervention group, patients were informed on the importance and methods to quit smoking at the first visit and reminded for that at months interval for 6 months, n = 70) and the conventional treatment group (control group, n = 70). After 6 months, the smoking status, cardiovascular event rates, drug usage, out-patient medical costs and quality of life were compared between the two groups., Results: Age, gender, concomitant diseases, drug usage were similar between the two groups at baseline (all P > 0.05). After 6 months, smoking quit rate [34.2% (24/70) vs. 5.7% (4/70), P < 0.01], drug use rates: lipid-lowering drugs [95.3% (67/70) vs. 80.4% (56/70)], β blockers [82.4% (57/70) vs. 41.3% (28/70)], and ACEI/ARB [61.4% (43/70) vs. 34.4% (24/70)] were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group, while total cardiovascular event rates [21.4% (15/70) vs. 47.1% (33/70), P < 0.01] and out-patient medical costs (3789.3 RMB vs. 4984.2 RMB, P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. The quality of life scores derived from MYO health survey questionnaire was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The top three reasons responsible for continuous smoking for all patients failed to quit smoking were: (1) others smoked more than me and still alive and healthy [90.3% (56/62)]; (2) smoking helped me to keep relaxed and reduce trouble in daily work and life [70.9% (44/62)]; (3) smoking was essential while chatting and drinking with friends [66.1% (41/62)]. The overall satisfactory rate to this smoking cessation program was 42.8% and the satisfactory rate was up to 50.0% by patients., Conclusions: Intensive outpatient smoking cessation follow-up program can significantly improve the smoking cessation rates, the guideline drug use rate and the quality of life while reduce medical costs for coronary heart disease patients.

Objective: To observe the risk factors and prevalence of cardiovascular disease, and predict the 10-year risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease (ICVD) of a rural residents in Xianghe of Hebei province., Methods: Two thousand five hundred and thirty two adults ( ≥ 35 years old) were surveyed at internal medicine outpatient department of Xianghe asthma hospital in Hebei province by face-to-face interview, physical examination and biochemical test. Subjects aged 35 to 59 were also evaluated using the National 10-year Risk Assessment for ICVD., Results: The prevalence of stroke and coronary heart disease was 2.2% (56/2532) and 6.9% (176/2532) respectively, the age- and sex-standardized prevalence was 1.3% and 5.9% respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, overweight, obese and central obesity was 59.9% (1516/2532), 26.9% (682/2532), 68.5% (1735/2532), 40.9% (1038/2532), 14.8% (374/2532) and 49.5% (1254/2532) respectively, the age- and sex-standardized prevalence was 43.8%, 19.9%, 56.5%, 35.1%, 15.6%, 41.9%, respectively. Ten-year ICVD risk was higher than 10% in 14.1% (188/1336) residents aged between 35 to 59 years., Conclusions: Risk factors and prevalence of cardiovascular disease as well as 10-year risk of ICVD are high in this rural population in Xianghe of Hebei province. Intensive prevention and therapy strategies are urgently needed to attenuate the ICVD risk factors and treat ICVD in rural area of China.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirofiban use immediately after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with moderate to high risk non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS)., Methods: NSTE-ACS patients undergoing successful PCI (n = 246) were randomized by the envelope method to tirofiban group (n = 122, 10 µg/kg bolus within 3 min followed by 0.10-0.15 µg×kg(-1)×min(-1) for 36 h i.v.) or control group (n = 124, saline i.v. for 36 h). The primary efficacy composite end point was death, myocardial infarction, target vascular revascularization or ischemic stroke at 30 days. The second end point was the occurrence of composite end point at 7 days or 6 months. Key safety end points were bleeding and thrombocytopenia 3 days after PCI., Results: Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the two groups (P > 0.05). The primary end point occurred in 0.9% (1/117) patients in the tirofiban group and 3.3% (4/123) patients of those in the control group (P = 0.40). There was no significant difference in the composite end point at 7 days [0.8% (1/122) vs. 3.2% (4/124), P = 0.38] between the groups, however, there was a trend towards lower composite efficacy end points at 6 months in tirofiban group compared to control group [0.9% (1/117) vs. 5.9% (7/118), P = 0.07]. The probability of survival free of composite end point was significantly higher in the tirofiban group than that in the control group (99.2% vs. 94.2%, log-rank test, P = 0.03). There was no GUSTO severe or moderate bleeding or severe thrombocytopenia within 3 days post-PCI. There was no significant difference in mild bleeding [13.1% (16/122) vs. 7.3% (9/124), P = 0.13] or mild thrombocytopenia [0.8% (1/122) vs. 0.8% (1/124), P = 1.00] between the groups., Conclusion: Tirofiban use after successful PCI can improve 6-month event-free survival without increasing the risk of bleeding for patients with moderate to high risk NSTE-ACS.

Objective: The types and risk factors of arrhythmia were analyzed on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients under the age of 44 years who were hospitalized in Henan province between September 2009 to June 2012., Methods: Medical records of eligible patients were obtained from the information system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University teleconsultation information center. Middle aged and elderly ACS patients who were hospitalized at the same period served as controls. Data on arrhythmia types, blood pressure, thyroid disease, respiratory sleep apnea syndrome, smoking history, history of alcohol consumption, eating habits, family history of early-onset arrhythmia, laboratory tests were analyzed., Results: (1) Arrhythmia was detected in 110 out of young ACS patients (55%), which was significantly lower than that in the elderly ACS patients (71.05%, P < 0.01). (2) The top three arrhythmias in young ACS patients were: sinus tachycardia (30.50%), the premature ventricular contractions (19.00%), atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation (16.50%). Incidence of sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation were significantly higher while incidence of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in middle-aged ACS patients (all P < 0.05). The incidence of sinus tachycardia was higher while incidence of ventricular premature accelerated ventricular spontaneous cardiac rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, non-paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, nodal escape, atrioventricular block were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in elderly ACS patients (all P < 0.05). (3) Body mass index, incidence of smoking, coronary three-vessel disease, drinking, eating salty foods, thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea were significantly higher in youth ACS patients with arrhythmia than in young ACS patients without arrhythmia (all P < 0. 05). (4) Logistic regression analysis found that number of diseased coronary vessels (OR = 24.293), smoking (OR = 1.112) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.039) were independent risk factor for developing arrhythmia in young ACS patients from Henan province., Conclusions: The main types of arrhythmia are sinus tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation and the major risk factors related to the arrhythmia are number of diseased coronary vessels, smoking and alcohol consumption in young ACS patients from Henan province.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, in-hospital and three-year outcome in ST-elevation myocardial Infraction (STEMI) patients receiving conservative treatment (CT), thrombolytic treatment (TT) and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Beijing., Methods: This 12-month prospective, multicenter registry study was conducted in 19 hospitals with 808 patients with STEMI in Beijing between Jan. 2006 and Dec. 2006, 518 (64%) received PCI, 106 (16.1%) received TT and 184 (22.8%) received CT therapy. Patients were followed up for 3 years., Results: At baseline, the age of patients in CT group [(64.5 ± 13.5) years] was significantly higher than those in TT group p(57.9 ± 11.0) years] and in PCI group [ (60.4 ± 12.3) years, all P<0.01]; and the median time from symptom onset to hospital in CT group (207 min) was significantly longer than those in TT group (130 min) and PCI group (130 min, all P<0.01). Emergency Medical Service (EMS) use was significantly higher in PCI group (184/518, 35.5%) than in CT group (46/184, 27.3%) and TT group (29/107, 25.0%, all P<0.05). Health insurance holder was the highest in PCI group (P<0.01). PCI was performed less frequently than thrombolytic therapy [66.6% (345/518) vs. 80.2% (85/106)m P=0.02] during off-hours and more frequently performed in tertiary hospitals than in secondary hospitals[66.8%(437/651) vs. 52.6% (81/154, P<0.01)]. The in-hospital mortality and the cardiovascular mortality at 3 year after hospital discharge was significantly higher in CT group [9.2% (17/185) and 9.4% (15/159)] than in PCI group [3.5% (18/518), 4.5% (20/446)] and TT group [6.6% (7/106), 2.3% (2/86), all P<0.01]. Patients in PCI group had the highest adherence level of aspirin, β-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers or statins at 3-years follow-up (all P<0.05). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that only PCI was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular death (HR-0.40, 95% CI:0.21-0.73, P<0.01)., Conclusions: Social and clinical setting may affect the physician's decision to provide reperfusion therapy in Beijing for STEMI patients. Better adherence of secondary preventive drugs and lower cardiovascular death are observed in STEMI patients receiving PCI during the 3-year follow-up

Objective: To investigate the basic characteristics of passive smoking population, and the impact of passive smoking on heart rate variability, heart rate and blood pressure., Methods: Eighty-six passive smokers [mean age: (52.4 ± 7.6) years] were recruited from patients and their relatives who visited cardiovascular outpatient department and excluded structural heart disease between June 2010 and June 2012, 80 normal subjects who were not exposed to smoking served as controls. Questionnaire survey, 24 hours ambulatory electrocardiogram examination and blood pressure measurement were performed in all recruited subjects., Results: (1) Non-marriage rate [18.60% (16/86) vs. 3.75% (3/80), P < 0.01] was significantly higher while education level were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in control group. Passive smokers were more likely service industry workers [29.07% (25/86) vs. 15.00% (12/80), P < 0.05] and had longer daily working time [(7.56 ± 1.24) h vs. (6.02 ± 0.96) h, P < 0.01], and were less likely to be professional technology industry employers [20.93% (18/86) vs. 36.25% (29/80), P < 0.05] and managers [13.95% (12/86) vs. 38.75% (31/80), P < 0.01] compared to controls. The main place of passive smoking was workplace (67.44%, 58/86), entertainment venues (63.95%,55/86), restaurants (48.84%, 42/86). (2) Standard of the normal sinus RR intervals (SDNN), the normal consecutive sinus RR interval difference between the root-mean-square (rMSSD) and adjacent the difference between the RR interval>50 ms the number of share the percentage (PNN50) were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Every 5 min average of the standard deviation of sinus RR cycle (SDNN index) and 24 h every 5 min sinus RR interval mean standard deviation (SDANN) were similar between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). Ultra-low-frequency power (VLF), low frequency power (LF), high frequency power (HF) and LF/HF were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in the control group (all P < 0.01). (3) Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in passive smoking group than in control group (all P < 0.05) while systolic blood pressure was similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Marriage status, education level, profession and daily working time are independent determinants for passive smoking. Passive smoking mainly occurred in the workplace, entertainment venues and restaurants. Passive smoking is linked with reduced heart rate variability, increased 24 h average heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of L-amlodipine besylate for blood pressure control in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension., Method: A total of 1051 mild to moderate essential hypertensives were recruited from 22 centers and randomized into three groups and were given low-dose L-amlodipine besylate (2.5 mg/d), high-dose L-amlodipine besylate (5.0 mg/d), and amlodipine maleate (5.0 mg/d) on the principle of open-label and parallel control. The study drugs were administered for 8 weeks., Results: After 8 weeks treatments, the response rate of the three groups were 72.4%, 85.6%, and 76.2%, respectively. The rate difference between high-dose L-amlodipine besylate group and the other two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01), while the rate difference between low-dose L-amlodipine besylate group and amlodipine maleate group was similar (P = 0.28). The event rates of the three groups were similar (4.3%, 4.6%, and 5.1%, respectively, P = 0.84)., Conclusion: High-dose L-amlodipine besylate is superior to the other 2 groups on blood pressure control. The efficacy profiles of amlodipine maleate and low-dose L-amlodipine besylate are equivalent. Safety profiles of these three groups are comparable.

Objective: To investigate the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in outpatients with coronary heart disease (CHD) visiting cardiology outpatient clinics of 8 hospitals in Beijing., Methods: A total of 903 outpatients with CHD were enrolled from 4 three-tier hospitals and 4 two-tier hospitals in Beijing. All patients were asked to finish the questionnaire including demographic data, CHD history, the knowledge on cholesterol, and the use of statins. Blood lipid was examined and the LDL-C control rate and related factors were then analyzed., Results: Questionnaire was obtained from 876 patients [619 male: 70.7%, mean age: (64.9 ± 10.7) years old] and blood lipid data were available in 709 patients. The general LDL-C control rate was 36.9% (262/709) and was 13.5% (27/173) in very high risk CHD patients, and lower in patients treated in two-tier hospitals than patients treated in three-tier hospitals[31.3% (121/386) vs. 43.7% (141/323), P < 0.01], in female patients than in male patients [27.1% (60/261) vs. 41.3% (201/496), P < 0.01] and in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients [13.5% (27/200) vs. 44.7% (197/441), P < 0.01]. The LDL-C control rate was lower in patients less than 60 years old and patients over 80 years old than that in 60-70 years old patients and 70 - 80 years old patients (P < 0.05). LDL-C control rate was not affected by the history of hypertension, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting, smoking, lipid examination frequency, knowledge on goal level of LDL-C, diet control and regularly physical exercising (all P > 0.05). There were 18.2% (129/709) patients not taking statins or not aware if they were taking statin or not. The main reason for not taking statin [47.9% (23/48)] was statin was no prescribed by doctors, followed by withdrawal by patients due to various reasons [27.1% (13/48)]., Conclusions: LDL-C control rate was low in patients with CHD visiting cardiology outpatient clinics in Beijing. The CHD patients and cardiologists should be encouraged to achieve better LDL-C control by following lipid lowering guidelines and it is also important to improve the drug compliance among CHD patients.

Objective: To compare the quality of life at baseline and at 6 months after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and investigate the related risk factors., Methods: The prospective study included 210 consecutive patients undergoing CABG between November 2008 and March 2010, who met inclusion criteria and completed short form-36 (SF-36) health status survey at baseline and at 6 months after CABG. Change of quality of life and influencing factors on quality of life were analyzed., Results: Eight domains including physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional and mental health and two component summaries including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of SF-36 were significantly improved at 6 months following CABG (all P<0.01). Moreover, the improvement on PCS was significantly higher compared to MCS (80.0% vs. 68.6%, P<0.01). Advanced age (P<0.05) and lower PCS score (P<0.01) prior to CABG were independent predictors of low PCS after CABG, while MCS could not be predicted by pre-CABG status (P>0.05)., Conclusions: The findings demonstrate quality of life is significantly improved at 6 months post CABG. Advanced age and lower PCS score prior to CABG are linked with low PCS after CABG.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the change of quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents and explore the influencing factors of quality of life., Methods: There hundred and thirty four consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving drug-eluting stents implantation between September 2008 and December 2009 were enrolled. Of them, two hundred and ninety three patients completed 36-item short form health survey at baseline and 6 months after PCI procedure. Change of quality of life and influencing factors on quality of life were analyzed., Results: Compared with baseline, quality of life improved significantly after PCI in terms of both physical component summary and mental component summary [ (51.07 ± 20.39) scores vs. (61.69 ± 19.73) scores and (63.27 ± 20.00) scores vs. (68.81 ± 18.71) scores, respectively; all P < 0.01]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that female, diabetes and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were independent predictors of physical component summary improvements post PCI (β values were -0.310, -3.880 and 1.302, respectively; P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Previous PCI and diabetes were independent predictors of mental component summary improvements post PCI (β values were -1.483 and -2.790, respectively; all P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Quality of life of acute coronary syndrome patients is significantly improved at 6 months after drug-eluting stents implantation. The predictors of physical quality of life improvement are female, diabetes, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Predictors of mental quality of life improvement are previous PCI and diabetes.

Objective: To report the status and trend of cardio-cerebral-vascular disease (CCVD) mortality in China between 2004 and 2008., Methods: The mortality data from population-based survey of National Disease Surveillance System in 2004 and 2008 were analyzed. This surveillance system is consisted of 161 disease surveillance points (DSPs) located in 31 provinces of China including 64 urban and 97 rural DSPs. The total population of surveillance is over 73 millions and accounted for around 6% of the whole population of China. CCVD included ischemic heart diseases (ICD-10: I05-I09, I11, I20-I27, I30-I52) and cerebral-vascular disease (ICD-10: I60-I69). The status and trend of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebral-vascular disease (CD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortalities from 2004 to 2008 were analyzed by age, gender, and urban/rural regions., Results: The mortality of CCVD was higher in 2008 (229/100 000) than in 2004 (223.5/100 000), which was decreased in urban region (-11.7/100 000) while increased in rural region (+16.0/100 000). The mortality of CD decreased from 134.8/100 000 (2004) to 128.3/100 000 (2008). Mortality of IHD and AMI increased from 66.1/100 000 and 40.4/100 000 (2004) to 71/100 000 and 45.7/100 000 (2008), which remained stable in urban region (+0.98/100 000 and -1.96/100 000) while significantly increased in rural region (+6.7/100 000 and +9.2/100 000). The mortality rates for CVD, CD and AMI were higher in rural population than that in urban population. The age-standardized mortality rates of CVD, CD and IHD were lower in 2008 than in 2004. The mortality rates of CD and IHD decreased in 40-, 60-, and over 80 age groups (except for IHD) in 2008 than in 2004. However, IHD mortality was significantly higher in age of 80 and over group from 2004 to 2008. There were a net 5.5/100 000 increase, 6.4/100 000 decrease and 4.9/100 000 increase for CCVD, CD and IHD between 2004 and 2008. The mortality rate rise in CCVD was mainly due to the increased mortality of IHD and CD in rural population. The CCVD mortality increased with age and was significantly higher in male than in female population., Conclusions: Despite decreased mortality in CD, CCVD mortality increased from 2004 to 2008, mainly due to the increased mortality of IHD and AMI in rural population. Enhanced CCVD primary and secondary prevention, particular for stressing on primary prevention, is necessary in China, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile, they will give the greatest contributions for a raise of the healthy life expectancy in China.

Objective: To compare the change of quality of life (QOL) between elderly (≥ 65 years) and non-elderly (< 65 years) coronary artery disease (CAD) patients after drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation., Methods: Patients with CAD treated with DES between March 2009 and January 2010 were enrolled. All patients were prospectively interviewed at baseline and 6-month after DES implantation. Changes of overall health perception between the elderly and non-elderly patients were compared by using validated questionnaire (SF-36 health survey)., Results: Scores for physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were significantly worse in elderly patients than in non-elderly patients both at baseline and 6 months after DES implantation (baseline: 45.3 ± 16.2 vs. 55.6 ± 22.2, 61.7 ± 21.5 vs. 65.6 ± 17.9; 6-month: 55.4 ± 19.9 vs. 66.7 ± 18.1, 65.9 ± 19.8 vs. 73.6 ± 16.8, all P < 0.05). QOL improved significantly after DES implantation for all eight scales and PCS as well as MCS in both age groups (all P < 0.01). The change of PCS score was similar between the two age groups (10.92 ± 7.62 vs. 10.53 ± 6.81, P = 0.43). Physiological function [22.11 (10.28 to 41.49) vs. 11.13 (-0.23 to 19.65), P < 0.01] improvement was better but the change of physical function, body pain and general health [6.65 ± 2.45 vs. 7.65 ± 2.16, 10.61 (4.38 - 14.47) vs. 21.20 (11.81 to 31.14), 2.10 (-2.30 to 5.70) vs. 4.72 (2.28 to 6.74), all P < 0.01] were worse in elderly patients than in non-elderly group. The improvement of MCS in non-elderly group was superior to elderly group [6.43 (3.11 to 8.70) vs. 5.52 (-1.01 to 9.33), P < 0.01] exampled by social function [8.14 (3.53 to 14.03) vs. 1.74 (-1.73 to 6.79)] and mental health score [1.26 (0.61 to 7.15) vs. 0.81 (0.59 to 7.18), all P < 0.01]., Conclusion: QOL is significantly improved in both elderly and non-elderly CAD patients after DES implantation. Improvement in physical health is similar between the two age groups, but the improvement of mental health is more significant in non-elderly patients than in elderly CAD patients.

Objective: To explore the relationship and interaction of elevated fasting glucose and hypertension on cardiocerebral vascular disease., Methods: 10 054 males and females were recruited for our cross-sectional study during May 2007 to August 2007. Unconditional logistic regression was used to analysis the relationship between fasting glucose and hypertension on cardiocerebral vascular disease. A product of fasting glucose and hypertension was added to the logistic regression model to evaluate the multiplicative interaction and relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP) of interaction and synergy index (S) was applied to evaluate the additive interaction of the two factors. Bootstrap was used to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CI) of RERI, AP and S., Results: After adjusting age, gender, smoking, drinking, body mass index (BMI) and region, the product of fasting glucose and hypertension was not statistically significant, which means there was no multiplicative interaction between the two. But the additive indexes RERI, AP and S with 95%CI of diabetes and hypertension were 0.64 (0.03, 1.25), 0.27 (0.01, 0.47) and 1.83 (1.02, 5.13) respectively, which means significant additive interaction was shown between the two on cardiovascular disease but not no stroke. And there were no additive interaction between impaired fasting glucose on cardiovascular disease or stroke., Conclusions: Hypertension was independently related to cardiovascular disease and stroke in Beijing citizens, and diabetes were independently related to stroke. There was additive interaction between diabetes and hypertension on cardiovascular disease.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between marital status and prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) among Beijing residents., Methods: From May to August 2007, 10 054 residents were interviewed to collect demographic and biochemistry information. Generalized linear mixed model was used to determine the relationship between marital status and prevalence of PAD in terms of OR and corresponding 95% confidence intervals., Results: After adjusting the traditional risk factors including age, area, lipid, serum glucose, blood pressure, central obesity, smoking, drinking and physical activities for PAD, relationship between marital status and prevalence of PAD was found both at the female and male groups of those with 45 years or older. Compared with married men, OR and 95% confidence interval of PAD for unmarried men were 1.56 (0.39 - 6.35) and 1.61 (0.77 - 3.35) for those with 45 years younger and older respectively, while compared with married women, OR and 95% confidence interval of PAD for unmarried women were 0.75 (0.22 - 2.57) and 1.78 (1.23 - 2.58) for those with 45 years younger and older respectively. Significant differences (all P < 0.01) were found between married and unmarried women of 45 years or older in terms of age, waist circumstances, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and smoking., Conclusions: Peripheral arterial disease was related to marital status for women of 45 years or older among Beijing residents. Estrogen level and the distribution of other PAD risk factors might contribute to the observed finding.

Objective: To screen the cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) mutations in Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and to analyze the potential link between the genotype and the phenotype., Methods: Clinical features of 100 probands with HCM and some family members were evaluated, 200 unrelated normal subjects served as control. The exons and flanking introns of TNNT2 were amplified with PCR and direct sequencing was used to screen TNNT2 mutations/polymorphisms., Results: Two novel missense mutations were detected in 2 HCM patients: R92W and R286H. These 2 mutations were not found in 200 non-HCM controls. A five-basepair insertion/deletion polymorphism in intron 3 of TNNT2 was identified in this HCM cohort but was not related to the phenotype., Conclusions: Two missense mutations, R92W and R286H, were found in 2/100 patients with HCM, TNNT 2 mutation is relatively low in Chinese patients with HCM.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the association between inflammation status/autoimmune antibodies and plasma lipid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Methods: A total of 402 RA patients were admitted into our hospital during January 2008 to March 2009 and 225 RA patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected to perform a full lipid profile examination including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), anti-keratin antibody (AKA), anti-perinuclear factor autoantibody (APF) and complement (C) were also evaluated. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculate by the formula Log (TG/HDL-C)., Results: (1) There were 12.9%, 10.2% and 14.2% patients with elevated TC, LDL-C and TC respectively, patients with reduced HDL-C accounted for 43.6%. (2) C(3) was higher in elevated TC group than normal TC group (P < 0.05). ESR and CRP were significantly higher in decreased HDL-C group than in normal HDL-C group (P < 0.05). CRP, C(3) and C(4) were significantly higher in elevated LDL-C group than in normal LDL-C group (P < 0.05). (3) Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that C(3) was positively correlated with TC (R(2) = 0.067, P < 0.05). Both ESR and CRP were negative correlated with HDL-C (R(2) = 0.202, P < 0.05). CRP and anti-CCP were positively correlated with LDL-C (R(2) = 0.129, P < 0.05). ESR and C(4) were positively correlated with AIP (R(2) = 0.046, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: This study showed that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an abnormal lipid profile, especially in patients with increased inflammation markers and autoimmune antibodies. Moreover, ESR and C(4) were predictors of increased AIP in this cohort.

Objective: To investigate the effects of valsartan on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by ox-LDL., Methods: HUVECs were cultured in endothelial basal medium and divided into four groups (n = 5 each): group I, control group without any treatment; group II: HUVECs stimulated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) in endothelial basal medium for 24 hours; group III: HUVECs treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) and valsartan (10 µmol/L) in endothelial basal medium for 24 hours; group IV: HUVECs treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) and valsartan (30 µmol/L) in endothelial basal medium for 24 hours. Expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)., Results: Expression of and COX-2 mRNA was significantly higher in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs than in control group (1.478 ± 0.104 vs. 0.366 ± 0.104, P < 0.05), while expression of COX-1 mRNA was similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Valsartan dose-dependently decreased the COX-2 mRNA expression (group III vs. group II: 1.074 ± 0.112 vs. 1.478 ± 0.104, P < 0.05; group IV vs. group II: 0.664 ± 0.104 vs. 1.478 ± 0.104, P < 0.05). Expression of COX-1 mRNA in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs was not affected by valsartan., Conclusions: COX-2 mRNA expression in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs could be reduced by valsartan suggesting valsartan might attenuate atherosclerosis by reducing ox-LDL-induced inflammatory responses.

Objectives: To explore the effect of acute smoking on vascular endothelial function, arterial stiffness and the possible underlying mechanisms., Methods: We measured the endothelial function and arterial stiffness in 50 healthy chronic smokers before and after acute smoking with EndoPAT2000. The test was carried out on two separate finger tips. The endothelial function was evaluated by PAT ratio of the finger tip and systemic arterial stiffness was evaluated by augmentation index (AI). Plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) before and 20 min after acute smoking were measured with enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay., Results: The PAT ratio was decreased (1.87 ± 0.40 vs. 1.73 ± 0.28, P = 0.004) while AI was significantly increased after acute smoking (2.94% ± 21.77% vs. 7.11% ± 20.65%, P = 0.01). There was no significant changes in sICAM [(306.5 ± 76.1) µg/L vs. (315.7 ± 90.9) µg/L, P = 0.402], but tPA [7.87 (5.41 - 10.08) µg/L vs. 5.77 (3.77 - 9.68) µg/L, P < 0.01] was significantly decreased after smoking., Conclusions: Smoking could acutely affect endothelia function, arterial stiffness and deteriorate the activity of fibrinolytic system which could lead to coronary thrombosis in smokers.

Objective: To explore the safety of intravenous recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) in treating acute decompensated heart failure and acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure, and to compare the differences in efficacy with different dosage and administration time., Methods: A total of 2160 patients characterized of acute decompensated heart failure and acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure were enrolled in this multicenter, randomized, open, dose-control study. The patients were randomly allocated to four groups with different doses and administration time on top of standard therapy., Results: In the safety respect, the rate of hypotension is 1.44% at 5 - 7 days after treatment, the serum creatinine level was reduced compared to baseline (P values were 0.0437, 0.0087 and 0.0116) except in the group of 0.015 µg at 24 h (P = 0.7054). The rate of 30-day readmission is 5.65%, mortality rate is 9.44%. In terms of efficacy, dyspnea was significantly improved at 30 min after administration, and at 24 h after administration (all P < 0.01). Urine output and LEVF were also significantly increased by 76.59% (P < 0.01) and 12.08% respectively (all P < 0.01) compared to baseline. Plasma NT-proBNP decreased by 40.29% at 5 - 7 days after administration (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The clinical application of intravenous rhBNP is safe and effective for treatment of acute decompensated heart failure and acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure in this large patient cohort.

Objective: To evaluate the association between low ankle brachial index and risk of death., Methods: Related cohort studies in the past 12 years were collected. Heterogeneity was analyzed with χ(2) and I(2). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) as the effect indicator and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association of low ankle brachial index and risk of death by fixed effect model (inverse variance method)., Results: A total of 8 studies were included with sum sample size of 30 029. In heterogeneity analysis, χ(2) was 5.46, I(2) was 0.0%, and P was 0.604. Meta-analysis resulted in pooled HR of 1.69 (95%CI: 1.55 - 1.84)., Conclusion: Low ankle brachial index is associated with increased risk of death.

Objective: To observe the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension and to evaluate the 10-year absolute risk of coronary heart disease(CHD) and ischemic cardiovascular disease(ICVD) in Chinese cardiovascular physicians., Methods: A total of 4032 cardiovascular physicians (28 to 79 years old) from 386 hospitals in 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities were randomly selected and received an epidemiologic survey of prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension and evaluations of CHD and ICVD risk., Results: The prevalence of hypertension in Chinese cardiovascular physicians was 13.1%. The awareness rate of hypertension in Chinese cardiovascular physicians was 81.7%. Hypertension treatment rate was 69.6% and blood pressure control rate was 44.6%. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in male physicians than in female physicians before the age of 55 years old. Ten-year absolute risk of CHD and ICVD was 0.08 and 0.03 in hypertensive physicians compared to 0.03 and 0.01 in non-hypertensive physicians., Conclusions: The results show suboptimal awareness, treatment and control rate in Chinese cardiovascular physicians for their own hypertension status.Physicians suffering from hypertension face higher risk for cardiovascular disease. It is therefore necessary to improve the self-monitoring of blood pressure in Chinese cardiovascular physicians.

Objective: To analyze the underlying factors related to smoking and cessation compliance in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)., Methods: From October, 2008 to January, 2009, a total of 160 CABG patients received questionnaires concerning smoking and smoking cessation compliance in Peking university people's hospital, 153 patients completed the questionnaires and were divided into non-smoking (72 patients) and smoking group (81 patients)., Results: Cognition was better in non-smokers than smokers on smoking-related health hazards (100% vs. 91.4%, P = 0.011) and on the relationship between smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (80.6% vs. 60.5%, P = 0.007) while cognition was better in smokers than non-smokers on the relationship between smoking and ischemic heart disease (61.7% vs. 40.3%, P = 0.008). Compared with non-smoker, smokers acquired significantly more knowledge on smoking and smoking cessation from friends and colleagues (22.2% vs.8.3%, P = 0.018) and from medical professionals (55.6% vs. 26.4%, P = 0.000). In the smoking group, 68 patients quit smoking (84.0%), while the remaining 13 patients failed to quit smoking (16.0%) post CABG. The smoking cessation patients were superior to the smoker patients on smoking cessation compliance (82.4% vs. 38.5%, P = 0.001) and support from family members (94.1% vs. 61.5%, P = 0.003). The nicotine dependence scores of current smokers significantly declined after CABG (preoperative 3.77 ± 2.31 vs. postoperative 2.46 ± 2.30, P = 0.008)., Conclusions: Cognition on the relationship between smoking and coronary heart disease as well as other diseases should be improved in patients underwent CABG. Medical staff and family members play an equal important role on improving the smoking cessation rate for patients post CABG.

Objective: Coronary features of young smokers and non-smokers with coronary heart disease were compared and the effect of tobacco control education was analyzed., Methods: A total of 160 young patients (14 - 35 years old) diagnosed with coronary heart disease by coronary angiography were included in this study, patients were followed up for 3 months. There were 118 smokers and 42 non-smokers, smokers were further divided to psychological counseling intervention group (68 cases) and control group (50 cases), non-smokers were also divided into psychological counseling intervention group (22 cases) and control group (20 cases)., Results: Incidence of single-vessel lesion (50.84% vs. 66.67%) was significantly lower, acute coronary syndrome (75.42% vs. 50.00%), double-vessel lesions (24.58% vs. 19.05%), three-vessel lesions (11.86% vs. 4.74%) as well as coronary artery ectasias (12.71% vs. 9.52%) was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Gensini scores (61.94 ± 40.35 vs. 45.08 ± 28.97) was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers (all P < 0.05). At the end 3-months follow up, smoking cessation rate was significantly higher in psychological counseling intervention group than in control group (61.76% vs. 30.00%, P < 0.05). New smokers was zero in psychological counseling intervention group and 1 in control group among previous non-smokers., Conclusion: Smoking is linked with severe coronary artery lesion in young patients with coronary heart disease and psychological counseling intervention could significantly increase the short-term successful smoking cessation rate in these patients.

Objective: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is common in cardiovascular diseases. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM) is a typical disease with diastolic dysfunction. We analyzed the association between the left ventricular flow propagation velocity (FPV), quantified by color M-mode Doppler and as an indicator for diastolic dysfunction, and clinical outcome in patients with HCM., Methods: Standard echocardiography including FPV was performed in 43 cases with HCM and 22 control cases without a clear history of heart disease. All eligible cases were followed up to more than 1 year., Results: Hospitalization rate due to emerging atrial fibrillation/flutter was 21%, due to emerging ventricular tachycardia was 16%, due to heart failure was 26%, and due to other events was 14% in HCM patients. FPV [(31.6 ± 11.5) cm/s vs. (68.3 ± 18.3) cm/s, P < 0.01] and FPV/E (0.49 ± 0.20 vs. 1.18 ± 0.41, P < 0.01) were significantly lower in HCM group than in control group. PV/E was an independent predictor for atrial fibrillation/flutter and heart failure, IVST was independent predictor for VT (χ(2) = 5.181, P = 0.0228), LAD (χ(2) = 6.172, P = 0.0130) and FPV/E (χ(2) = 3.932, P = 0.0474) were independent risk factors for total cardiac events., Conclusion: The incidence of atrial fibrillation and heart failure were closely related with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in HCM patients and FPV/E was independent predictor for clinical cardiovascular events.

Objective: To elucidate association between the mutation of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATC1) gene in IPT-NFAT region and simple congenital heart disease (CHD) in children., Method: We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the sequencing reaction to detect the mutations on the patients and their parents and (or) siblings., Results: PCR amplification of the exon 7 region showed that 2 bands are obtained in 58% of patients with CHD and in 74% of their healthy parents and (or) siblings. Sequencing of the 2 bands revealed that both are amplicons of the exon 7 region, and that the additional band harbors an additional 44 nucleotides segment in the intronic region. The homozygous form of this allele was only present in patients with ventricular septal defect (2/24), atrial septal defect (3/18) and bicuspid aortic valve (1/4) in which G to A transition at nucleotide 17 of the third 44 bps was found. Neither the unrelated non-CHD individuals nor the ones with other CHD showed positive presence for the homozygous form of this allele., Conclusions: There is a differential amplification of a tandem repeat region in intron 7 of NFATC1 and homozygous form of this allele in patients with ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and bicuspid aortic valve. NFATC1 gene may be an a susceptibility marker for ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and bicuspid aortic valve.

Objective: To determine whether early catheterization laboratory activation would reduce median door-to-balloon time in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)., Methods: Consecutive patients with STEMI underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2006 to December 2008 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups. Group A included patients without prehospital ECG (n = 168), group B included patients with prehospital ECG (n = 224) and group C included patients with prehospital ECG and early telephonic notification to activate catheterization laboratory (n = 114). Primary end point was door-to-balloon time, secondary end points included peak Troponin I elevation, left ventricular ejection fraction, length of hospital stay, hospital mortality and 30 days follow-up mortality., Results: Baseline characteristics were similar among groups. Door-to-balloon time and door-to-catheter laboratory time (110 minutes, 94 minutes and 85 minutes, respectively, all P < 0.01; 91 minutes, 74 minutes and 64 minutes, respectively, all P < 0.01) were significantly shorter in group B and C than those in group A. The percentage of patients with door-to-balloon time less than 90 minutes increased significantly from 32% in group A to 43% in group B and 59% in group C (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Early activation of catheterization laboratory by prehospital ECG and telephonic notification could markedly reduce door-to-balloon time in patients with STEMI.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and percentage of dyslipidemia awareness among overweight and obese residents in Beijing community., Method: Cross-sectional data of 9786 subjects from capital cholesterol education and intervention program (CCEIP) were analyzed. Participants were divided into 3 groups (Normal, overweight and obese) based on body mass index (BMI). Blood lipid levels were determined from overnight fasting plasma samples. Questionnaires were collected to estimate awareness of dyslipidemia., Result: (1) Blood lipids levels were positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.17, 0.18, -0.26 and 0.35 between total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride and BMI, respectively, all P < 0.01). (2) Prevalence of dyslipidemia increased in proportion with increase of BMI. The age-standardized prevalence of dyslipidemia of normal, overweight and obese population was 23. 9%, 43.3% and 65.4% in men and 17.9%, 29.2% and 42.3% in women. Dyslipidemia was more frequent in obese men than obese women (65.4% vs. 42.3%, P < 0.01). However, this gender difference decreased gradually with the increase of age. Risk of hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-C, low HDL-C and hypertriglyceridemia in obese men was 1.6, 2.9, 2.4, and 2.7 folders higher than in the normal body weight men and was 1.3, 1.9, 1.7 and 2.1 folders higher in obese women than in normal body weight women. (3) Unexpectedly, the percentage of dyslipidemia awareness in overweight and obese population was not significantly higher than in the normal body weight group (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was high while the percentage of dyslipidemia awareness was rather low in obese population. Aggressive intervention should be taken in obese population, especially in the young obese men, to effectively reduce dyslipidemia.

Objective: To screen the gene GATA4 for novel mutations associated with congenital atrial septal defect (ASD)., Methods: The clinical data and peripheral venous blood specimen from 85 unrelated subjects with congenital ASD were collected and analyzed in contrast to 200 healthy individuals. The coding exons and the exon/intron boundaries of GATA4 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced using the di-deoxynucleotide chain termination procedure. The obtained sequences were aligned with those publicized in GenBank with the help of programme BLAST to identify the sequence variations. The software Clustal W was applied to analysis of the conservation of altered amino acids., Results: Three novel heterozygous missense GATA4 mutations were identified in 3 of 85 ASD patients, respectively. Namely, the triplet substitutions of ATG for GTG at codon 267, GCC for ACC at codon 354, and CAA for CCA at codon 407, predicting the conversions of valine into methionine at amino acid residue 267 (V267M), threonine into alanine at amino acid residue 354 (T354A), and proline into glutamine at amino acid residue 407 (P407Q), were identified. No mutation was detected in 200 healthy controls. A cross-species alignment of GATA4 encoded protein sequences showed that the valine at amino acid residue 267 and proline at amino acid residue 407 were completely conserved evolutionarily., Conclusion: Three novel heterozygous missense GATA4 mutations were identified in patients with congenital ASD, which reveals new molecular etiology responsible for ASD, and contributes to the early prophylaxis and therapy for ASD.

Objective: To assess left ventricular systolic synchronicity by quantitative tissue velocity imaging (QTVI) in patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC)., Methods: Eighteen LVNC patients and 30 healthy controls were included. Two-dimensional echocardiography, QTVI was applied on parasternal long axis view, apical two-chamber and four-chamber view. Tissue velocity curve was obtained from the middle and basal segments of left ventricular posterior, lateral, septal, anterior, inferior and anteroseptal walls. Time interval from the beginning of QRS complex to the peak systolic velocity (Q-Ts) and the maximal difference in Ts among all 12 LV segments (Max-DeltaTs) was calculated., Results: Q-Ts from basal and middle segments of left ventricular inferior, lateral and posterior walls was significantly prolonged in LVNC patients compared to controls (P < 0.001). Max-DeltaTs was also significantly increased in LVNC patients [(161.9 +/- 93.2) ms] than that in controls [(61.2 +/- 27.4) ms, P < 0.001]., Conclusions: There was significant left ventricular asynchronies in patients with LVNC and delayed systolic contraction occurred mostly in the basal and middle segments of left ventricular inferior, posterior and lateral walls.

Objective: To determine lengths and factors associated with delay of reperfusion-decision in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)., Methods: This cross-sectional and multicenter survey was conducted in 19 hospitals from Beijing between 1 January and 31 December, 2006 and included STEMI patients receiving thrombolysis or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data were collected by structured interviews and medical records review within 1 week after admission. Reperfusion-decision delay was defined as time interval from the initial ECG after admission to sign of the thrombolysis or operation approval. Patients were categorized into an early decision group and a late decision group based on the 30 min cut-off time., Results: Of the 635 STEMI patients interviewed, 129 (20.3%) received thrombolysis, and the remaining 506 (79.7%) received primary PCI. The median reperfusion-decision delay was 47 min. The median door-to-needle time was 82 min, and the median door-to-balloon time was 135 min. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that awareness of the time-dependent nature of reperfusion therapy (OR = 1.723, 95% CI: 1.156-3.212, P = 0.040), pre-hospital electrocardiogram (OR = 1.566, 95% CI: 1.018-2.409, P = 0.036), cardiac function of Killip > or = 2 at admission (OR = 1.579, 95% CI: 1.004-2.483, P = 0.021) and presenting to cardiovascular specialty hospital (OR = 5.075, 95% CI: 1.380-18.655, P = 0.014) were independent predictors early reperfusion-decision delay. Patients in early decision group had significantly shorter median door-to-needle (47 vs. 103 min, P < 0.001) and door-to-balloon (100 vs. 154 min, P < 0.001) times compared to patients in late decision group., Conclusions: The main reason of the in-hospital delay of reperfusion therapy of STEMI patients is reperfusion-decision delay. New public health strategies should be developed to educate patients and their family members to increase their awareness of the importance and benefits of prompt reperfusion therapy and facilitate the pre-hospital electrocardiogram recording for STEMI patients.

Objective: To investigate K(ATP) channel function of cardiomyocytes isolated from the left ventricular wall of rats with or without abdominal aortic constriction at different time points under normal or simulated ischemic conditions., Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups (n = 10 - 13): 4-week sham-operated group (F4), 4-week aortic-banded group (T4), 12-week sham-operated group (F12), 12-week aortic-banded group (T12). Chronic pressure overload model was established by abdominal aortic constriction. Left ventricular myocytes were isolated by modified Langendorff perfusion method post in vivo hemodynamical measurements. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record transient outward current of K(ATP) channel on myocytes under normal and simulated ischemic perfusion conditions. The current densities of K(ATP) channel between F4 and T4 group, F12 and T12 group were compared under 0 mV of test potential., Results: SBP, DBP and MBP were significantly increased in T4 group compared to F4 group, but were similar between T12 and F12 groups. LVEDP and +/- dp/dtmax were similar between T4 and F4 groups and LVEDP was significantly increased while +/- dp/dtmax significantly reduced in T12 group than that in F12 group. Whole-cell membrane current densities were similar between F4 and T4 group or F12 and T12 group under normoxic condition, the K(ATP) current densities increased dramatically in T12 group [(28.11 +/- 3.91) pA/pF vs (11.55 +/- 1.17) pA/pF, P < 0.01], but not in T4 group [(14.09 +/- 5.74) pA/pF vs (11.74 +/- 3.68) pA/pF, P > 0.05] in myocytes exposed to ischemic solution for 25 minutes. The total number of K(ATP) channel in ventricular myocytes was similar between F4 and T4 group or F12 and T12 group., Conclusions: The sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel was more sensitive to ischemia and the current magnitude was significantly increased at the stage of congestive heart failure. The functional change of K(ATP) channel occurred before the increase of total number of K(ATP) channel.

Objective: To investigate the blood pressure control rate and related influencing factors in hypertensive outpatients., Methods: In this multicentre, cross-sectional registration survey, hypertensive outpatients were recruited from department of cardiology, nephrology and endocrinology of 92 tertiary hospitals in 22 cites across China. Each centre enrolled more than 50 hypertensive outpatients aged 18 years or older between 20 April 2009 and 31 May 2009. Outpatients were surveyed by clinical interview with BP measurement and questionnaire., Results: A total of 5086 subjects were enrolled, 2032 in department of cardiology, 1510 in department of endocrinology and 1544 in department of nephrology, 27.1% and 25.3% patients were in Grade 2 or Grade 3 hypertension, 37.2% patients were complicated with diabetes, 22.4% with coronary artery disease, and 18.4% with renal-dysfunction. Overall, controlled BP was achieved in 30.6% patients. The control rate was 45.9% in uncomplicated hypertensive patients, 31.3% in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease, 14.9% in patients with diabetes, and 13.2% in patients with renal-dysfunction. Calcium channel blocker (56.6%) and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (32.0%) were the most frequently used medications. The mean number of antihypertensive agents prescribed per patient was 1.73, over 54.1% patients were treated with more than 2 antihypertensive drugs. Combination therapy or single-pill combination with various anti-hypertensive components was prescribed to 8.3% and 12.7% hypertensive patients as initial therapy. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that lower BMI, no alcohol intake, free medical care, no diabetes, no renal-dysfunction, lipid-lowering therapy, shorter interval of visiting physicians, regular taking antihypertensive medications, physical activity were the factors related to satisfactory blood pressure control rate in hypertensive outpatients., Conclusions: Blood pressure control rate among Chinese hypertensive outpatients was increased compared with epidemiological survey in 2002. BMI, co-morbidities, lower combination treatment rate, poor compliance were the key reasons for lower BP control rate. Increased use of combination therapy instead of monotherapy should be encouraged to hypertensive outpatients to improve BP control rate.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and borderline dyslipidemia and other coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in residents from Beijing communities., Methods: Resident samples were selected by random cluster multistage method. Serum lipid level and CHD factors were obtained through questionnaire, physical examination and biochemical analysis during June 2007 to August 2007 from 10 054 residents., Results: Age- and sex-adjusted standardized prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and triglyceridemia were 9.3%, 2.56%, 18.79% and 16.84%, respectively. Incidence of borderline hypercholesterolemia was 23.96%. Incidence of dyslipidemia and borderline dyslipidemia was 31.23% and 23.30% respectively, 71.17% residents have at least 1 CHD major risk factor and 20.23% residents were in borderline CHD risks. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, smoking and obese was 41.57%, 11.08%, 35.81% and 22.89%, respectively. The odds ratio for dyslipidemia (95% confidence interval) in residents having 1 borderline CHD risk factor (RF), 2 RF, and 3 RF versus none RF was 1.668, (95%CI: 1.319 - 2.110), 2.537 (95%CI: 1.989 - 3.235), and 3.203 (95%CI: 2.007 - 5.114)., Conclusions: The prevalence of dyslipidemia of residents from Beijing communities is higher the average level of China (25.1%). Over 1 out of 5 residents were in increased risk for borderline dyslipidemia or CHD risks. Intensive control of dyslipidemia and CHD risk factors are warranted in Beijing residents.