Abstract 21196: Low Prevalence of Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Its Association With Job Strain

Abstract

Introduction: Ideal Cardiovascular (CV) Health is characterized by four ideal lifestyle parameters and absence of cardiovascular risk factors. Hypothesis: The prevalence of ideal CV health is low in the Amazon Basin and it is negatively influenced by job strain. Methods: Job strain was evaluated in 479 employees from a academic center in the Amazon Basin by a validated Portuguese questionnaire that classified the participants as passive (low latitude decision and low job demand), active (high decision latitude and high job demand), low strain (low demand and high latitude decision) or high strain (high demand and low latitude decision). CV health was evaluated according to the AHA by 7 behaviours and risk factors (diet, physical activity, BMI, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia). Individuals CV health status was classified as: ideal (ideal lifestyle and absence of cardiovascular risk factors), intermediate (intermediate at any parameter) or poor (when any of the seven factors was poor). We used logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, family income and educational level. Results: Mean age 44.3±12 years, 65% men. None participant had ideal CV health. Intermediate CV health was found in 44 (9%) and poor in 434 (91%) individuals. Considering low strain as a reference group, we found that high strain, active and passive had a non-significant (p> 0.05) increase in the chances of having poor CV health. When adjusting for confounders, having a high job strain was associated with poor BMI (> 30 kg/m 2 ), OR 2.11, 95%CI 1.06-4.22; p=0.034) and poor diet OR 2.31, 95%CI 1.29-4.13; p = 0.005. Conclusions: In a population sample with a high prevalence of poor CV health, we found that job strain was associated with obesity and poor diet. Given the lack of participants with ideal CV health, policies focusing on health education and lifestyle interventions are paramount to this population, particularly those with higher job strain.