scholarly journals Comparison of Framingham 10-Year Cardiovascular Event Risks in Native- and Foreign-born Primary Healthcare Populations in Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Taloyan ◽  
Victor Wågström ◽  
Kristin Hjörleifdottir Steiner ◽  
Claes-Göran Östenson ◽  
Danial Yarbakht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) around the world varies by ethnicity and region of birth. Immigrants living in Sweden may have a higher prevalence of CVD than native-born Swedes, but little is known about their actual risk of cardiovascular events (CVE). The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) uses cardiovascular risk factors to estimate the 10-year CVE risk. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship in Sweden between an elevated 10-year CVE risk and both birthplace and other risk factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on CVD risk factor data obtained from the 4D Diabetes Project, a Programme 4D subproject in Sweden. Participants were recruited from two primary healthcare centres in Stockholm, from 2013 through 2015, were between 18 and 74 years old, had no history of diabetes or pre-diabetes, and were divided into two birthplace groups (Sweden-born and foreign-born, the largest group born in the Middle East). FRS was calculated and 10-year CVE risk was determined for each participant. Logistic regression analysis was performed to generate odds ratios (OR) for the outcome, an elevated (≥10%) risk of CVE within 10 years. ResultsOf the 830 participants in the study, 170 (20.5%) had an elevated 10-year CVE risk. A significantly higher proportion of Sweden-born (vs. foreign-born) participants had an elevated 10-year CVE risk (35.6% vs. 12.9%; P < 0.0001). Foreign-born participants had a significantly lower mean age (45.6 vs. 55.8 years, P < 0.001), but a significantly higher proportion were smokers (23.9% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.001). Participants born in Sweden (vs. foreign-born) were almost two times more likely to have an elevated 10-year CVE risk, even when adjustments were made for age, sex, education, waist circumference, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (Adjusted OR=1.73; 95% CI, 1.10-2.77).ConclusionsIn Sweden, native-born participants were more likely to have an elevated 10-year CVE risk than those born in other countries (including the Middle East). These results contradict reports of higher rates of CVD in Middle-Eastern countries than in Sweden. A cardiovascular risk scoring system modified for region of birth or ethnicity may be needed in Sweden.PermitAn ethical permit was granted by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Stockholm, review number 2013/2303-31/3.

scholarly journals Metabolic comparison of polycystic ovarian syndrome and control women in Middle Eastern and UK Caucasian populations

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra E. Butler ◽  
Ahmed Abouseif ◽  
Soha R. Dargham ◽  
Thozhukat Sathyapalan ◽  
Stephen L. Atkin
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Eastern Women ◽  
Blood Pressures

Abstract To determine if metabolic characteristics differed in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) between a Caucasian and Middle East population. Comparative cross-sectional analysis. Demographic and metabolic data from Middle Eastern women from Qatar Biobank (97 with PCOS, 622 controls) were compared to a Caucasian PCOS biobank in Hull UK (108 with PCOS, 69 controls). In both populations, PCOS women showed a worse cardiovascular risk profile of increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased C-reactive protein (CRP), reduced HDL, insulin resistance as well as increased androgens compared to their respective controls without PCOS. UK women without PCOS had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and increased testosterone results (p < 0.01) compared to Middle Eastern women without PCOS who had higher inflammatory markers (WBC and CRP), HDL and insulin resistance (p < 0.001). UK PCOS women had a higher body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglycerides (p < 0.01), whilst Middle Eastern PCOS women showed increased testosterone, free androgen index, HDL and CRP (P < 0.01). There was no difference in insulin or insulin resistance between the two PCOS cohorts. This study highlights ethnic population differences because, whilst cardiovascular risk indices were increased for both PCOS cohorts, this may be for different reasons: BMI, waist and hip measurements, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides were higher in the UK cohort whilst testosterone, HDL and CRP were higher in the Middle East population. Insulin resistance did not differ between the two PCOS populations despite differences in BMI.

scholarly journals Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Risk in Lithuania—Results from EUROASPIRE V Survey

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Gediminas Urbonas ◽  
Lina Vencevičienė ◽  
Leonas Valius ◽  
Ieva Krivickienė ◽  
Linas Petrauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Primary Prevention ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Blood Pressure Target ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Very High

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines define targets for lifestyle and risk factors for patients at high risk of developing CVD. We assessed the control of these factors, as well as CVD risk perception in patients enrolled into the primary care arm of the European Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events (EUROASPIRE V) survey in Lithuania. Materials and Methods: Data were collected as the part of the EUROASPIRE V survey, a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional observational study. Adults without a documented CVD who had been prescribed antihypertensive medicines and/or lipid-lowering medicines and/or treatment for diabetes (diet and/oral antidiabetic medicines and/or insulin) were eligible for the survey. Data were collected through the review of medical records, patients’ interview, physical examination and laboratory tests. Results: A total of 201 patients were enrolled. Very few patients reached targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (4.5%), waist circumference (17.4%) and body mass index (15.4%). Only 31% of very high CVD risk patients and 52% of high-risk patients used statins. Blood pressure target was achieved by 115 (57.2%) patients. Only 21.7% of patients at very high actual CVD risk and 27% patients at high risk correctly estimated their risk. Of patients at moderate actual CVD risk, 37.5% patients accurately self-assessed the risk. About 60%–80% of patients reported efforts to reduce the intake of sugar, salt or alcohol; more than 70% of patients were current nonsmokers. Only a third of patients reported weight reduction efforts (33.3%) or regular physical activity (27.4%). Conclusions: The control of cardiovascular risk factors in a selected group of primary prevention patients was unsatisfactory, especially in terms of LDL-C level and body weight parameters. Many patients did not accurately perceive their own risk of developing CVD.

scholarly journals Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk for Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Disease in Ghana’s Northern Region A Cross-sectional Study of 4 Rural Districts using World Health Organization / International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) Risk Prediction Charts

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Sandra M. Skerratt ◽  
Olivia G. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Risk Prediction ◽  
Cardiovascular Event ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional

Ghana is experiencing an increase in cardiovascular (CVD) -related mortality with poor rural communities suffering greater complications and premature deaths. The point of this exploratory research is to evaluate the prevalence of CVD risk factors and to calculate the cardiovascular risk among adults aged &gt; 40 years in Ghana&rsquo;s Northern Region. A cross-sectional study was performed with 536 subjects. A pre-tested questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and standardized WHO/ISH risk prediction charts assessed for 10-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal major cardiovascular event according to age, sex, blood pressure, smoking status, and diabetes mellitus status. Low, moderate and high CVD prevalence risk in females was 88.4%, 7.1%, and 4.5% while in males the prevalence was 91.3%, 5.8%, and 2.9%, respectively. Hypertension was noted as a clinically significant risk factor with females at 37.3% versus males at 32%. The 10-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event was statistically significant for females according to age group. A moderate to high CVD risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event was found in 10.4% of subjects. Notable CVD risk factors included a high prevalence of hypertension. Decentralizing care to local village healthcare facilities is one way to tackle cardiovascular risk reduction. Task shifting of primary care duties from physicians to nurses in terms of cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment and management of uncomplicated CV risk factors is a potential solution to the acute shortage of trained health staffs for the control and prevention of CVD in Northern Ghana.

scholarly journals P665 Cardiovascular risk profile in chronic auto-inflammatory diseases: a cross-sectional single center study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S589-S590
Author(s):  
J A M Sleutjes ◽  
J E Roeters van Lennep ◽  
P J P Verploegh ◽  
M B A van Doorn ◽  
M Vis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Profile ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Chronic auto-inflammatory diseases are associated with an increased risk of arterial and venous cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Pathogenesis may be related to chronic inflammation and/or traditional CVD risk factors. We aimed to assess the prevalence of CVD and cardiovascular risk profile in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis (PSO) and spondylarthropathies (SpA). Methods This is a single center cross-sectional study at the depts. of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology. Patients ≥18 years underwent body measurements (blood pressure (BP), BMI, waist and hip circumference), laboratory analysis (plasma glucose, lipid spectrum) and completed a cardiovascular questionnaire (e.g. history of CVD, medication use). Multivariate linear and logistic regression models corrected for age and sex were applied to identify differences between groups.. Sensitivity analyses were performed excluding patients taking statins or anti hypertensive drugs. Within groups, association between lipid levels and clinical disease activity was assessed by stratification, and with CRP levels by Pearson correlation test. Results A total of 668 patients were included (335 males (50%), median age 47 years: 459 IBD (69%), 106 PSO (16%) and 103 SpA patients (15%). (Table 1) The prevalence of venous thromboembolisms was 6%, heart failure 3% and arterial CVD 8%. IBD patients had lower BMI, systolic BP, TC and LDL-c levels, and lower odds ratio of having diabetes, overweight and hypercholesterolemia, as compared to PSO and SpA, but a higher odds ratio of having VTE. (Table 2) These results were independent of statin of anti hypertensive drug use. All groups showed a trend towards higher levels of TC, HDL-c and LDL-c during disease remission as compared to active disease (Figure 1) Overall, TC and LDL-c levels were inversely correlated with CRP (R -.145, p=.002 and R -.111, p=.016); within groups a significant association was only observed in IBD. (Table 3, Figure 2) Conclusion IBD patients have a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile, as compared to PSO and SpA. Screening and early intervention for CVD risk factors requires different strategies for each population.

scholarly journals Thirty year trends in cardiovascular risk factors prevalence among Siberian adolescents (1989-2019)

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Denisova
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Aim of the study was to assess trends of cardiovascular risk factors among Siberian adolescents during the last 30 years including period of Russian reforms (1989-2019). Methods Seven cross-sectional surveys of representative samples of school children aged 14-18 since 1989 (every 5 years) were carried out. Body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured. Self-reported smoking and physical activity rates were obtained. To define overweight the sex- and age-specific IOTF cutoffs for BMI were used. Hypertension (HT) and lipid disorders were revealed according to international criteria. Results Prevalence of high TC significantly decreased from 22 to 4% (p &lt; 0,01) in males and from 32 to 17% (p &lt; 0,05) in females. High LDL-C showed similar trends. Prevalence of low HDL-C was stable with some fluctuations. In the period of Russian reforms (1989-1999) the prevalence of overweight significantly decreased from 12% in boys and from 14% in girls in 1989 to 4% in 1999 (p &lt; 0,01). Since 2003 rapid increasing of overweight was observed. Trends of HT have shown double decreasing during the reform period and stabilization in the post-reform time. So, since 2003 discordant trends in HT and overweight were revealed. Physical activity was stably low in boys (49-55%) and girls (83-73%). Average weekly screen time doubled from 15 (2009) to 30 h/w (2019), p &lt; 0,05. Cigarette smoking rates in boys dramatically decreased from 45% (1989) to 3% (2019), in girls - from 19% to 5% (p &lt; 0,01). Smoking of electronic devices was registered in 2019: 6% among boys and 3% among girls. Conclusions Obtained data indicate on trends to reduction in CVD risk profile among Siberian adolescents during the period of Russian reforms. Discordant trends of HT and overweight were revealed. The study was supported by RFBR grant 19-013-00800. Key messages Long time changes in cardiovascular risk profile among Siberian adolescents were registered. Against the background of a decrease in combustible smoking among adolescents, electronic smoking began to register.

scholarly journals P252 The cardiovascular risk profile in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional single-centre study (the CARE-IBD study)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S275-S276
Author(s):  
J A M Sleutjes ◽  
J E Roeters van Lennep ◽  
P J Verploegh ◽  
C J van der Woude ◽  
A C de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend to use a 1.5 factor CVD risk multiplier in rheumatoid arthritis, but state a gap in evidence for other inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CVD and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in IBD. Methods This is a single-centre cross-sectional study at the IBD outpatient clinic in September and October 2019. Patients ≥18 years underwent body measurements (systolic, diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), length, weight, waist, hip circumference), biochemical analysis (plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, HDL, LDL) and completed an extensive cardiovascular questionnaire (history of CVD, thromboembolic events, medication use). To identify groups at risk of hypertension (SBP&gt;140 or DBP&gt;90 mmHg), overweight (&gt;25 kg/m2), hyperlipidaemia (TC&gt;5 mmol/l) and cardiovascular events, comparisons were made between gender, IBD subtype (Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC)) and disease activity (Harvey Bradshaw Index or Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index&gt;5). Results A total of 235 IBD patients were included (112 males (48%), median age 45 years (IQR 33–55): 143 CD (61%), 92 UC (39%)). Median SBP and DBP were 135 (IQR 122–145) and 84 mmHg (IQR 66–93); hypertension was present in 43% of patients. Median BMI was 24.5 kg/m2 (IQR 21.9–27.4); 41% of patients were overweight. Hyperlipidaemia was present in 19% of patients. The self-reported prevalence of hypertension was 13%, hyperlipidaemia 8%, diabetes 4%, cardiovascular disease (heart failure, myocardial infarction, transient ischaemic attack, cerebrovascular accident) 10% and thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) 8%. Male patients showed a higher prevalence of hypertension (61%), greater waist–hip ratio (0.93, all p &lt; .001), higher triglyceride (1.6 mmol/l, p = .003) and lower HDL levels (1.2 mmol/l, p = .000) as compared with females. CD patients were more frequently smokers (16%) with disease activity (51%)(p &lt; .001), but showed lower levels of triglycerides (1.6 mmol/l, p = .013), TC (4.0 mmol/l) and LDL (2.3 mmol/l) (p &lt; .001) as compared with UC. During active disease lower levels of LDL were observed as compared with remission (2.4 vs. 2.7 mmol/l, p = .040). Conclusion CVD are considerably prevalent in IBD patients. Well-known CVD risk factors hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidaemia are highly prevalent and remain undiagnosed in a substantial proportion of patients. Although no significant association is observed between CVD and gender or IBD subtype, CVD risk profile is different. Screening and early treatment of CVD risk factors might be recommended in IBD.

scholarly journals Daily chocolate consumption is inversely associated with insulin resistance and liver enzymes in the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg study

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (9) ◽  
pp. 1661-1668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala’a Alkerwi ◽  
Nicolas Sauvageot ◽  
Georgina E. Crichton ◽  
Merrill F. Elias ◽  
Saverio Stranges
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Insulin Levels ◽  
Cardiometabolic Disorders

AbstractThis study examined the association of chocolate consumption with insulin resistance and serum liver enzymes in a national sample of adults in Luxembourg. A random sample of 1153 individuals, aged 18–69 years, was recruited to participate in the cross-sectional Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg study. Chocolate consumption (g/d) was obtained from a semi-quantitative FFQ. Blood glucose and insulin levels were used for the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Hepatic biomarkers such as serum γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GT), serum aspartate transaminase and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) (mg/l) were assessed using standard laboratory assays. Chocolate consumers (81·8 %) were more likely to be younger, physically active, affluent people with higher education levels and fewer chronic co-morbidities. After excluding subjects taking antidiabetic medications, higher chocolate consumption was associated with lower HOMA-IR (β=−0·16, P=0·004), serum insulin levels (β=−0·16, P=0·003) and γ-GT (β=−0·12, P=0·009) and ALT (β=−0·09, P=0·004), after adjustment for age, sex, education, lifestyle and dietary confounding factors, including intakes of fruits and vegetables, alcohol, polyphenol-rich coffee and tea. This study reports an independent inverse relationship between daily chocolate consumption and levels of insulin, HOMA-IR and liver enzymes in adults, suggesting that chocolate consumption may improve liver enzymes and protect against insulin resistance, a well-established risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders. Further observational prospective research and well-designed randomised-controlled studies are needed to confirm this cross-sectional relationship and to comprehend the role and mechanisms that different types of chocolate may play in insulin resistance and cardiometabolic disorders.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Population of a Nigerian Rural Community

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. C. Ejim ◽  
C. I. Okafor ◽  
A. Emehel ◽  
A. U. Mbah ◽  
U. Onyia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) causes of worldwide preventable morbidity and mortality. CVDs are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries, and rates are expected to rise over the next few decades. The prevalence of CVD risk factors is dramatically increasing in low-and middle-income African countries, particularly in urban areas. We carried out a cross-sectional population-based survey in Imezi-Owa, a rural community in South East Nigeria to estimate the prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors in both men and women aged 40–70 years. A total of 858 individuals made up of 247 (28.8%) males and 611 (71.2%) females were recruited. The mean age of the subjects was59.8±9.9years. The prevalence of the different cardiovascular risk factors among the 858 subjects was as follows: hypertension 398 (46.4%) subjects, generalized obesity as determined by BMI 257 (30%) subjects, abdominal obesity 266 (31%) subjects, dysglycaemia 38 (4.4%) subjects and hypercholesterolaemia 32 (3.7%) subjects. Prevalence of hypertension and dysglycaemia was higher in men while the others were higher in women. Only hypertension (P=.117) and hypercholesterolaemia (P=.183) did not reveal any significant association with gender. Prevalence of CVD risk factors was highest in subjects aged 65 to 70 years.

scholarly journals Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in people living with HIV in São Paulo, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (01) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabete Santos Melo ◽  
Marcela Antonini ◽  
Christefany Régia Braz Costa ◽  
William Sorensen ◽  
Elucir Gir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Abdominal Circumference ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living With Hiv

Introduction: HIV infection as a chronic disease has emerged from treatment advances over the past three decades. From this perspective, the diseases associated with AIDS are not a main threat for patients who use Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). A new set of HIV associated complications have emerged resulting in comorbidities related to aging and ART exposure as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors in people living with HIV (PLWH) in Brazil. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at all Specialized Care Services for people living with HIV in the Southeast of Brazil. A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire was used and cardiovascular risk assessed through the Framingham Score. Data analysis was performed by Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression. Results: The majority were male, over 40 years old and they showed a mean age of 44 years. Current hypertension, diabetes, altered body mass index, presence of metabolic syndrome and altered abdominal circumference were also associated with cardiovascular risk. After regression analysis, male sex, older age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were related as predictive factors for a higher cardiovascular risk. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that combination of the prevention of modifiable risk factors with considerable changes in lifestyle are determining factors for success in the therapeutic of PLWH. High levels of motivation are essential for behavioral changes, and nurses are ideally position to provide safe care with nonpharmacological strategies for CVD risk reduction.

scholarly journals Awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among university students in Turkey

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Esra Güneş ◽  
Nural Bekiroglu ◽  
Neşe Imeryuz ◽  
Mehmet Agirbasli
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Unhealthy Diet

Abstract Aim: To determine the awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among university students in Turkey. Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. The use of tobacco products and unhealthy diet are prominent habits that increase the risk of CVD. Methods: Healthy university students (n = 2450) aged between 18 and 22 years in Istanbul filled out the questionnaire about the awareness of CVD risk factors and participated in this cross-sectional study. They were asked several questions with regard to the importance of CVD risk factors. Findings: The leading responses for men and women were, respectively, high cholesterol (58.3; 72.3%), stress (58.8; 71.8%), hypertension (50; 64.2%), smoking (53.1; 58.7%), obesity (46.8; 64.3%), diabetes (41.7; 52.7%), inactivity (43.3; 47.8%), and CVD in family history (31.8; 44.4%). Unhealthy diet (9.7; 15.3%), exposure to second-hand cigarette smoking (24.4; 34%), and poor socioeconomic status (22.6; 22.3%) were also considered to be important. The study also revealed that men disregard the risk factors more frequently. Another comparison between body mass index groups revealed that obese subjects gave significantly lower importance to cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: Observations indicate that awareness levels of CVD risk factors have to be improved among university students. It is emphasized that primary healthcare workers are very important in the screening of CVD risk factors in an opportunistic and systematic way and in providing consultancy on changing risky behaviors (diet, smoking, etc.). Therefore, it is of utmost importance that primary healthcare workers make interventions to reduce the risk level by determining the CVD risk.

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