Abstract
Background:Several studies have estimated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CRFs) in various communities in Nigeria. However, few have investigated the prevalence patterns in semi-urban communitiesof North-Central Nigeria. We aim to determine the prevalence patterns of CRFs in this geographical location, as a result of the growing incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) and Heart Failure (HF) in Nigeria. Methods:A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted. The study was conducted across nine (9) local government councils in the southern part of Benue state, one of the six (6) states that make up the North-Central region of Nigeria. Overall, 108 participants aged > 18 years participated in the study. Risk factors were estimated by collecting information about the participants age, weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose. Questionnaires, results of laboratory and instrumental diagnosis were used to collect information about the variables. Results:The overall mean of age was 50.35 ± 22.02 years. Findings showed that the prevalence of the examined cardiovascular disease risk factors was as follows: hypertension – 55(52.4%), generalized obesity (BMI > 30) – 10(9.26%)abdominal obesity –35 (32.4%) diabetes –9 (8.3%), hypercholesterolemia – 17(15.7%). The result also indicated an increase in the prevalence of hypertension with an increase in age the indices of obesity increased significantly with age but later decreased slightly among the elderly. Conclusion:Findings from the study revealed that about half of the population were hypertensive. Other key risk factors were also prevalent in this population. There is a call on relevant stakeholders for important preventive and control initiatives for awareness, as this population is at high risk of the complications that arise from the underlying disease conditions.
Highlights
Several studies have estimated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CRFs) in various communities in Nigeria
Findings showed that the prevalence of the examined cardiovascular disease risk factors was as follows: hypertension – 55(52.4%), generalized obesity (BMI > 30) – 10(9.26%)abdominal obesity –35 (32.4%) diabetes –9 (8.3%), hypercholesterolemia – 17(15.7%)
There is a call on relevant stakeholders for important preventive and control initiatives for awareness, as this population is at high risk of the complications that arise from the underlying disease conditions
Summary
Several studies have estimated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CRFs) in various communities in Nigeria. Out of the 17.9 million premature deaths (under the age of 70) due to non-communicable diseases in 2015, 82% were in low- and middle-income countries, and 37% were caused by CVDs[4].Most CVDs can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors such as; cigarette smoking, poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and alcohol abuse using population-wide strategies [5].There is a need for prompt screening and management of people with cardiovascular disease or who are at high risk due to the presence of one or more risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or already established disease.Hypertension represents about 9.4 million (16.5%) of all deaths, including 51% of deaths from stroke and 45% of deaths from coronary artery disease[6]. This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors amongst men and women who are 18 years and older, living in a semi-urban area of Nigeria
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