Prevalence of ischemic resting and stress electrocardiographic abnormalities and angina among 40- to 59-year-old men in selected U.S. and U.S.S.R. populations.

The prevalence of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and angina was investigated in 40- to 59-year-old men from two samples, one from a U.S.S.R. study in two locations and one from a U.S. study in nine locations. ECG abnormalities were defined by the Minnesota code and angina was defined by the Rose questionnaire. No differences were found in the prevalence of major Q waves and major or minor ischemia between the two samples, but differences were found in specific indicators of major ischemia. Major ischemic changes were more prevalent in older subjects in both samples. Estimated prevalence of angina was 50% less in the U.S. sample than in the U.S.S.R. sample, and this was consistent with the proportion of subjects excluded from the exercise test because of angina. In both samples, subjects with ECG abnormalities had higher systolic blood pressures. No difference in exercise test abnormalities was found between samples; however, more subjects with a history compatible with coronary artery disease were excluded from the U.S.S.R. sample.