The aim of the study was to find out the occurrence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the staff of an insurance company (sample P) and compare the results with the sample of health professionals – staff of the Faculty Hospital Olomouc (FNO). The sample P included 105 employees of an average age 39.6 years (SD 9.16 year), 28 men of an average age 39.5 years (range 23–56 years; SD 10.15 year) and 77 women of an average age 39.6 years (range 21–55 year; SD 8.85 year). The staff members filled in a questionnaire on basic risk factors of CVD during the examination and the risk of CVD was determined according to valid tables after completion of objective data (blood pressure, weight, height, BMI, values of lipid metabolism). Risk factors were defined according to valid recommendations. The sample FNO was examined according to the same methodology and the results of both samples were compared using chí square test on the 5 % level of significance. The samples differed in age distribution (an age average in the sample P is significantly higher) and therefore only data which are influenced by age the least were compared. There were 31.4 % smokers in the sample P (46.4 % males and 26.0 % females). The occurrence of smokers was higher than in the general population. The occurrence of smokers did not differ statistically (P = 0.399) from the sample FNO (29.3 %). Hypertension in the sample P was found in 11.4 % individuals (10.7 % males, 11.7 % females), the occurrence of hypertension was lower than in the sample FNO (29.8 % males, 18.1 % females), these data were not statistically compared because of a different average age of the samples. Overweight was found in 29.5 % members of the sample P (50.0 % males, 22.1 % females), obesity in 9.4 % members of the sample P (7.1 % males, 10.4 % females). The sample did not differ in the parameter of overweight from the sample FNO (23.8 %; P = 0.847). The level of cholesterol above the norm was found in 42.8 % members of the sample P (53.6 % males, 39.0 % females). The occurence of this risk factor did not differ from the sample FNO (39.3 %; P = 0.589). No physical activity was reported by 40.4 % members of the sample P (32.1 % males, 42.9 % females). This parameter differed statistically from the sample FNO (7.8 %; P < 0.001). The high occurrence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases was found in both samples. The determination of risk of cardiovascular diseases should be the part of an examination in all emloyees.

        Key words: prevention of cardiovascular diseases, staff of insurance company, health professionals