HEALTH OF THE CARDIOLOGISTS: WHO IF NOT THEY?

Abstract

Aim. To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among clinicians attended the Russian National Congress of Cardiology (Ekaterinburg, September 20-23, 2016). Material and methods . During the Congress, 535 participants were screened on the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Participants filled the questionnaire on social status, food preferences and activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, medications intake. Anthropometry was done according to standards. Blood pressure (BP) was measured on the right arm, sitting, after 5-minute rest, by automatic tonometer OMRON (Japan). Cholesterol level and blood glucose were measured by express-method with EasyTouch® GCHb (Taiwan). For comparison with the general population, the data from ESSE-RF study was included. Results . Food preferences in doctors were shifted towards healthier comparing to general population: quite high prevalence of enough fish, vegetables and fruits, and low level of salt overconsumption; hypodynamia level was comparable with populational. During the last 10 years, there was two-fold decrease of smoking prevalence, and increase of hypercholesterolemia, and obesity and hypertension prevalence remained same. Adherence to antihypertension and hypolipidemic treatment is still low. Cardiovascular risk by SCORE among doctors is not high. Conclusion . In clinicians participating in scientific-educational events (half of them — cardiologists), a healthier profile was found, of the risk factors, comparing to general population. The only exception was hypodynamia which is probably a cause of obesity prevalent among medical society. During the last decade, there is a decrease of smoking prevalence noted, but there is no increase in antihypertension therapy adherence, and there is an increase of hypercholesterolemia among clinicians