Survey on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Bariloche

pp. 344-350

Abstract

Background The development and evaluation of health policies and program planning requires timely and accurate information about risk factors, the presence of chronic diseases, their distribution and trends. The self-reported prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population, together with anthropometric measurements and blood tests are necessary, according to the Pan American Health Organization, to know the real prevalence of these factors.

Objective To determine the prevalence, knowledge, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) in a representative sample of the population of San Carlos de Bariloche; to compare the outcomes obtained with those of the 2005 National Survey of Risk Factors and to estimate the overall cardiovascular risk.  

Material and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study, using a two-stage probability and stratified sampling (census block, household). In each household, subjects aged 18 years and older were surveyed after signing informed consent form. The instrument used was the National Survey of Risk Factors together with a translated adaptation of the psychosocial stress score of the INTERHEART study. Anthropometric measurements were performed and total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, blood sugar and creatinine levels were measured. The following conditions were defined: hypertension (HT) ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or under treatment; hypercholesterolemia (HC): ≥ 240 mg/dl or under treatment; low HDL: < 40 mg/dl, and diabetes mellitus (DM): ≥ 126 mg/dl or under treatment.

Results A total of 902 surveys were conducted, with a response survey rate of 87.4%. Average age was 43.2 years (range 18-88) and 52% were women. The average measurements were: blood pressure 119/75 mm Hg; cholesterol level: 188 mg/dl; HDL-C: 51 mg/ dl and glycemia 90 mg/dl. The prevalence of CRFs was: low physical activity 52.7%; smoking habits 31.7%; overweight and obesity 42.7% and 21.9% %, respectively; HT 31.6%; hypercholesterolemia 36.2% and diabetes 7.3% The rate of population at moderate-high risk ( ≥ 2 major CRF) (≥ 10%) was 17%.

Conclusions In a representative sampling in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, the prevalence of the traditional risk factors was high, with inadequate levels of knowledge and control. There was greater prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, sedentary life, overweight and obesity compared to the national data. The population with lower socioeconomic status was at greater cardiovascular risk. It is essential to develop campaigns for health promotion and cardiovascular prevention to reduce the prevalence of risk factors or cardiovascular diseases, the main cause of mortality.