2022 SONQO-CALCHAQUÍ Program: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Variables in a Mid- and High Mountain Calchaquí Population of Tucumán

Abstract

Background: The community of Quilmes (Tucumán) encompasses 2400 mid- and high mountain inhabitants (1800 to 4000 meters above sea level). In 2018, a study was carried out on their cardiovascular health status (2018 SONQO-CALCHAQUÍ Program). Objective: The aim of this study is to update and expand the survey carried out in 2018, to obtain a broader panorama of the cardiovascular health of this community. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Quilmes community, in people who voluntarily attended specially established clinics in September 2022. Questionnaires, laboratory tests, ECG, echocardiogram, anthropometric measurements, muscular resistance and strength tests were carried out. Results: A total of 186 patients (119 women and 67 men) aged 45.0±1.3 years attended the study. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension 17.8%, smoking 14.1%, diabetes 4.9% and dyslipidemia 30.6%) was acceptable, but a high proportion of cases had not been examined in the last year. The diet consisted mainly of flour products, with little fresh fruit and vegetables. The prevalence of overweight (34.3%) and obesity (35.4%) was high. Forty percent of respondents had secondary or higher education. Good quality of life (69.5±1.1% of the maximum possible value of satisfaction on the self-perception scale) was reported. The Minimental Test average was 15.7±0.2 points. Prehensile strength in 55.8% of cases was below the normal range. Conclusions: The Quilmes population presents an acceptable physical condition, but with a high rate of overweight and obesity, due to the diet, a condition that should be considered in future health programs.