2023 SONQO-CALCHAQUÍ III Program: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Variables in Native Communities of the Calchaqui Valleys (Northwest Argentina)

419-426

Abstract

Background: Previous reports of our work group demonstrated that the native population of Quilmes (Tucumán) has a high rate of overweight and obesity and a Western pattern diet. The 2023 SONQO-CALCHAQUÍ III program was designed to evaluate whether these characteristics are shared by other native communities in the Calchaqui Valleys.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular variables in three native communities of the Calchaqui Valleys and their possible differences.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the communities of Cachi, Colalao del Valle and Fuerte Quemado. The participants answered questionnaires and were evaluated with electrocardiogram, anthropometric determinations and endurance and muscular strength testing.

Results: A total of 819 inhabitants were included (Cachi: 292; Colalao del Valle: 251; Fuerte Quemado: 276). Mean age was 52.9 ± 0.6 years. A high proportion of patients had not checked their cardiovascular risk factors; 39.5% were overweight, 28.1% were obese, 38.9% had normal waist circumference; 9.5% presented carotid atherosclerotic plaques and 39.1% had reduced hand grip strength. The Edmonton Scale revealed that the population was non-frail. The Mini-Mental test indicated mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Colalao del Valle had the best health status but residents of Fuerte Quemado had better sleep quality and self-esteem.

Conclusions: The population is not homogeneous, and each community has its own characteristics. In general, physical fitness is acceptable, but the rate of overweight and obesity is high, regardless of the community in which they live, indicating a Western diet pattern. There are, however, local factors with a protective role in cardiovascular disease that should be further investigated in this population.

Keywords: Native population - South America - Middle and high mountains - Cardiovascular variables - Epidemiology

How to cite this article: 

Galdeano RS, Vogelmann OA, Mauro SO, Scattini G, Alderete R, Pastore FA, y cols. 2023 SONQO-CALCHAQUÍ III Program: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Variables in Native Communities of the Calchaqui Valleys (Northwest Argentina). Rev Argent Cardiol 2024;92:419-426. http://dx.doi.org/10.7775/rac.v92.i6.20847