Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in an urban adult population from southern Spain. IMAP Study

Abstract

To study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in an urban population of Malaga, Spain and its relationship with educational level. A cross-sectional study was performed with a random representative sample of 2270 individuals from the adult population (18–80 years) from a specific Health-Care Centre in Malaga City. All participants underwent a clinical interview, including social-demographical information and a physical examination. A blood sample was also drawn. The mean age of the participants was 43.6 ± 15.6 years and 57.6% had a low educational level. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was: smoking 27.7%, hypertension 33.1%, diabetes 7.1% and dyslipidaemia 65.4%. Over 60% were either overweight or obese, and 76.7% had a sedentary lifestyle. Except for smoking and a low-HDL cholesterol, the prevalence of the other cardiovascular risk factors increased with age. A low educational level was associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, and this association was significant with regard to smoking, obesity, abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia. The population studied presents a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, especially dyslipidaemia and obesity. The low academic level was associated with an increased prevalence of smoking, obesity and dyslipidaemia. People with a low socio-cultural level are a priority target for introducing policies to prevent and control cardiovascular disease.