Self-Reported Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Medical Students

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world, with smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and a sedentary lifestyle being among the main risk factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the self knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors among medical students. Methodology: Observational and cross-sectional study on students from the first to the eighth semester of medicine using anonymous questionnaires containing questions about cardiovascular risk factors. Results: A total of 288 students paticipeted. There was a higher percentage of self-declared emotional stress (p<0.001), and high blood pressure (p=0.007), family history of coronary heart disease (CAD) or stroke (0.049) in the female group; The group under 20 years old practiced more physical activity (p=0.023) and reported a balanced diet (p=0.047), the age group between 20 and 29 years old reported a higher percentage of smoking (p=0.001) and alcohol consumption (p=0.048), those older than 30 years old reported a higher knowledge about family history of CAD or stroke.