Prevalence Of CVD Risk Factors Research Articles

Abstract P389: Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural Alabama

Background: CVD rates are high across the rural southern United States, but less is known about risk factor prevalence and control. Using data from two rural Alabama counties, we measured the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Methods: The Risk Underlying Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Heart and Lung Study began in 2021 to assess cardiopulmonary risk across 10 rural southern US counties. This analysis used data from two Alabama counties (N=942), 70% women, 79% non-Hispanic Black individuals, mean age 48.7 years. Hypertension was defined as SBP≥130 mmHg, DBP≥80 mmHg, and/or self-reporting hypertension medication use. High cholesterol was defined as TC≥200 mg/dL and/or cholesterol medication use. Diabetes was defined as fasting glucose≥126 mg/dL, non-fasting glucose>200 mg/dL, and/or diabetes medication use. Awareness, treatment, and control were assessed via self-reported physician diagnoses and medication use. All analyses applied sampling weights to produce representative estimates. Results: In the RURAL Alabama sample, the prevalence of hypertension was 73.7%, high cholesterol was 59.5%, and diabetes was 25.4%. The majority of individuals were aware of and taking medication for these risk factor conditions, but one-quarter of hypertension and less than half of diabetes was controlled (Figure). There were no significant sex differences observed. As compared with white individuals, Black individuals had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (79.2% vs 61.9%, p<0.001) and diabetes (29.9% vs 17.0%, p=0.005); however, there were no significant racial differences in risk factor control. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of CVD risk factors in rural Alabama, with Black-white racial disparities for hypertension and diabetes, and control was low. This underscores the need for primary prevention of risk factors in the rural south and elucidating factors contributing to ‘treatment-control’ gaps for managing hypertension and diabetes.

Abstract WP151: Prevailing Income-Based Disparities in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Cardiovascular Events in Young Hospitalized Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Insights From a Population-Based Analysis

Introduction: Cannabis use and low socioeconomic status are recognized as distinct risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular pathologies. This observational study aims to investigate the association between income status in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and cardiovascular events among young, hospitalized adults with dependent cannabis use or cannabis use disorder (CUD). Methods: We analyzed young adult hospitalizations (18-44 years) with known CUD from the 2020 National Inpatient Sample. Propensity score-matched analysis (1:1) was used to compare comorbidities, including AIS and cardiovascular events, between the high-income quartile (HIQ) and low-income quartile (LIQ) within the CUD cohort. Results: Out of the young adult admissions, a total of 286,855 individuals were identified as dependent cannabis users. After propensity matching, we divided the CUD cohort into 63,355 patients with HIQ (41.1% female) and LIQ (41.4% female). While both cohorts exhibited comparable ages and racial distribution (>65% white), the individuals from LIQ cohort were predominantly from South (45.7% vs. 27.9%), visiting rural hospitals (13.9% vs. 1.3%), with Medicaid (56.3% vs. 41.1%) as the predominant payer. Additionally, LIQ cohort had a higher prevalence of drug abuse (65.5% vs. 58.4%), tobacco use (24.9% vs. 22.6%), HTN (17% vs. 14.7%), chronic pulmonary disease (13.2% vs. 12.7%), DM (8% vs. 6.6%), and obesity (10.9% vs. 10.0%). Additionally, in-hospital outcomes like AIS (0.5% vs. 0.3%) and MACCE (2% vs. 0.8%) were higher in the LIQ cohort. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of AIS in the HIQ cohort was 37% lower than in the LIQ cohort (OR: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.42-0.96]). (all-p<0.05). Conclusion: Higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the LIQ-CUD group and lower odds of AIS-related admissions in the HIQ-CUD group warrant targeted interventions and policy measures to understand and address behavioral risk of cannabis use by economic status and disparities in MACCE.

42 Profile of cardiovascular risk factors among child sexual abuse victims in Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a group of victims of CSA in Puerto Rico and determine the impact of both the offender and the number of victimizations on the presentation of cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A study design of a retrospective chart review at a clinical forensic service in Puerto Rico. The demographic variables were age, sex, and health plan; the CV risk factors were family health history, level of physical activity, blood pressure, BMI, and lipid profile. Sexual violence experience variables were sexual assault, sexual molestation, the relationship with the offender, and the number of victimizations. Medical records were used to identify cardiovascular risk factors and variables associated with child sexual abuse victimization. Central tendency and frequencies were used to describe the risk factors and victimization. The Mann–Whitney and Fisher exact tests were used to determine the differences between the type of victimization and the risk factors for cardiovascular health. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Most of the victims were female (81%), with an average age of 10 (SD 3.8). According to the 31 reviewed charts, 55% were victims of sexual assault, the offender was a family member (84%), and the assault had occurred more than once (81%). The study also found that systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI) were at unhealthy levels (based on age and sex); when the victim reported sexual assault, the offender was a family member, and more than one assault occurred. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar were statistically significant among victims who reported being either sexually assaulted or sexually molested when the offender was a family member, and the victimization occurred more than once. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study indicated a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in children victims of sexual assault. The blood pressure, lipid profiles, and BMIs were much higher than the standards. Early childhood screening is crucial in alerting health professionals to a child’s exposure to trauma.

Abstract TP167: Burden And Impact Of Comorbid Depression On In-hospital Outcomes Of Acute Ischemic Stroke-related Admissions In Women Of Reproductive Age Group: A Propensity-matched Analysis

Background: Depression has been identified as a risk factor for acute cerebrovascular events. Due to limited data focused on young females, we studied the burden and impact of comorbid depression on outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS)-related admissions in young women of the reproductive age group. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample (2018) to identify admissions of young females (age 18-44 years) with AIS; and further classified it into two demographically (age, race, payer status, income) matched (1:1) groups based on the presence of comorbid depression. Comorbidities and outcomes were compared using relevant ICD-10 codes. Multivariable regression was used to analyze the association of comorbid depression with in-hospital mortality. Results: In 15850 young females admitted with AIS in 2018, 2465 (15.6%) had comorbid depression. Post-matching, the study cohort consisted of 4610 women admitted with AIS (Median age: 37, 66.2% whites) and 2305 women in each cohort, with and without depression. The matched AIS-depression arm often had younger women (median 37 vs 39 years), patients from the lower-income quartile (47.3% vs. 34.5%), and higher rates of obesity, peripheral vascular disease, and prior history of stroke but a lower prevalence of CVD risk factors [Table 1]. The depression arm had a non-significant odd of all-cause mortality (OR 1.32, 95%CI:0.64-2.74) when adjusted for sociodemographic confounders and comorbid risk factors (p=0.452). The LOS was shorter (median 4 vs 5 days) with comparable hospital charges in the depression arm vs. no depression arm (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed a nearly 15% burden of depression in young females admitted for AIS without significant impact on all-cause mortality when controlled for confounders. The impact of depression on long-term AIS outcomes needs further evaluation.

Abstract 14187: Neighborhood Walkability and Cardiovascular Risk in the United States

Walkability may be associated with increased physical activity and thus may confer protection against cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors. We sought to characterize the association between neighborhood-level cardiovascular diseases and risk factors with neighborhood walkability across most US census tracts. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PLACES dataset provided census-tract level prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes). These data were matched with census tract population-weighted walkability index from the CDC’s smart location database. We calculated the mean prevalence of each cardiovascular health indicator by quartile of walkability score. We also fit a multivariable linear regression model to estimate the association between walkability index and the prevalence of CAD adjusting for age, sex, race, and the CDC'S social vulnerability index, a validated metric of socioeconomic status. Results: 70,123 census tracts were analyzed nationwide. Across walkability quartiles Q1 (least walkable) through Q4 (most walkable), we found a statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of CAD (7.0% to 5.4%). Similarly, there was a decrease in the prevalence of CVD risk factors including hypertension (35.5% to 29.7%), high cholesterol (34.5% to 29.7%), obesity (35.0% to 30.2%), and diabetes (11.6% to 10.6%) across walkability quartiles ( Figure ). After multivariable adjustment, continuous walkability index was negatively and significantly associated with the prevalence of CAD (β = -0.09, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This nationwide analysis demonstrates that neighborhood walkability is associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and CAD. Figure: Mean prevalence of cardiovascular health indicators according to walkability index quartile. BP = blood pressure, CAD = coronary artery disease.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile and Risk Prediction Among Unskilled Workers of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the single largest cause for mortality and morbidity in the world and also in India. The prevalence of CVD risk factors in India is steadily increasing moreover CVD in Indians has been shown to occur prematurely. The study was designed to estimate the 10-year cardiovascular risk using region specific WHO/ISH risk prediction chart among unskilled workers of a tertiary care teaching hospital and to determine factors associated with risk. Material and methods: It were a hospital based cross sectional study. Based on the calculated sample size, 250 eligible workers were selected by simple random sampling. Using structured questionnaire, life style related risk factors namely, average daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical activity, perceived stress, tobacco and alcohol use was collected. BMI and BP were measured using standard protocol and classified following standard guidelines. Bio-chemical parameters were also measured. Results: Among 250 workers 37.2% and 10% consumed daily minimal recommended level of vegetables and fruits respectively, 21.1% was current tobacco user, 17.2% was alcohol drinkers, 50.4% were obese, 18.8% had high blood pressure, 6% had elevated cholesterol levels. Among the workers 46.7 % had <10% risk, 5.3% had 10% to <20% risk and, 3.3% had 20% to <30% risk to develop CVD within future 10 years of lifetime. Drivers and current alcoholics were significantly associated with being in the high-risk group. Conclusion: Employer initiated regular work place health screening and services need to be aimed at the unskilled workers, especially for CVD targeting drivers and alcoholics.

Comparison of the profiles of patients defined by age-adapted and fixed threshold CKD criteria: a nationwide, cross-sectional study.

Kidney function declines naturally with advancing age. Therefore an age-adapted estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) threshold has been proposed instead of the fixed threshold for CKD definition. This study aims to describe and compare the profile of CKD patients defined by these two criteria in a Chinese population. We recruited adult participants with selected biochemical tests from the Chinese Physiological Constant and Health Condition survey conducted from 2007 to 2011, with the GFR estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula. The age-adapted threshold of eGFR is 75, 60 and 45ml/min/1.73m2 for the population <40years of age, 40-64years and >64years, respectively. The fixed threshold is 60ml/min/1.73m2 for all ages. Among the recruited 23438 participants, 480 were diagnosed with CKD by fixed threshold criteria, while 391 were diagnosed with CKD by age-adapted criteria. Patients diagnosed by fixed threshold criteria were significantly older (66.4 versus 43.4years; P<.001) and had a higher prevalence of all CVD risk factors compared with the non-CKD population. In contrast, age-adapted criteria defined a younger patient group and were not significantly associated with diabetes or obesity. When adjusted by age and gender, fixed threshold-defined CKD was not significantly associated with the number of coexisting CVD risk factors, while age-adapted-defined CKD was significantly associated. We also found that the CKD patients defined by age-adapted criteria matched well with the 2.5th percentile of eGFR in Chinese individuals. When compared with their age- and gender-matched controls, patients included by age-adapted criteria but excluded by fixed threshold criteria had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (23.2% versus 7.7%; P<.001) and hyperuricaemia (25.0% versus 5.5%; P<.001), while patients included only by the fixed threshold criteria were not significantly different in the prevalence of CVD risk factors and CKD-related disturbance except for hyperuricaemia (41.2% versus 14.0%; P<.001). An age-adapted criterion is more closely associated with CVD risk factors and CKD-related diseases compared with fixed threshold criteria.

The Association of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Depression of an adult Austrian Population

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): “Austrian Research Fund (COMET K-project No. 825329)” Introduction Depression has been recognized as a cardiovascular (CVD) risk factor. However, depression is often under-recognized and larger attention should be given to this frequent problem, also in relation to CVD sequelae. There are differences in prevalence of CVD risk factors and CVD care and prevention in Europe. Therefore, it is vital to identify the focus of CVD prevention to implement specific and country-based programs to reduce CVD burden, especially for people with depression. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the association between common CVD risk factors hypertension, body mass index (BMI), and smoking with the severity of depression in an adult Austrian population and to characterize sex-related differences. Method This current thesis is a cross-sectional study examining the baseline data of the population from the BioPersMed (Biomarkers of Personalized Medicine) cohort at our Medical University. The initial non-probability recruitment started between 2011 and 2015, resulting in a study population of 1,022 adult men and women who live in the greater Graz area. Three CVD risk factors were examined for this paper and assessed by trained doctors and nurses at baseline: self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, self-reported smoking status, and BMI (kg/m2) by measuring the height and weight of each participant. The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) was analyzed by recording the total score value in three groups. Descriptive statistics, statistical correlation analysis, and an ordinal regression analysis was performed. Results 977 participants were included in the data analysis, with a mean age of 57.3 years. More than half of the participants (56%) were female. Results show a significant association between hypertension and the severity of depression (p&amp;lt;0.01) and between males and all three CVD risk factors, and between females and overweight. People with hypertension and elevated BMI, adjusted for age, sex, diagnosis of depression, and smoking were more likely to fall into a higher level of depression (BMI: increase of 0.033 in the log odds, p&amp;lt;0.5; hypertension: increase of 0.339 in the log odds, p&amp;lt;0.01). Moreover, men were more likely to show a lower level of depression than women (decrease of 0.435 in the log odds, p&amp;lt;0.5). Conclusion This is the first cross-sectional study to examine the association between CVD risk factors and the severity of depression in an adult Austrian population. Further research for causality and longitudinal analyses in a larger sample size are recommended to thoroughly examine and confirm these findings. The results are an important indication for CVD prevention programs in Austria to incorporate specific screening (CVD and Depression) and management of cardiovascular risk factors in their protocols and readapt them according to depression severity.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in urban and rural areas of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Background: CVDs are a major public health concern in Pakistan. The major CVD risk factors are age, gender, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. However, prevalence and risk factors associated with population of urban and rural Hyderabad are unexplored. This study was set up to study CVD among population of Hyderabad. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 304 participants living in the urban and rural areas of Hyderabad, Pakistan. Out of 304, 161 were men and 143 were women with age range from 30 to 70 years. Data was collected through interview based questionnaire. Weight and height were measured for calculation of BMI. Systolic Blood pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) was measured using sphygmomanometer. Biochemical analysis was carried out for the assessment of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Triglycerides (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) and Low density Lipoproteins (LDL) using standard kit methods. Ethical consent obtained before collection of data. SPSS version 22 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Hyperlipidemia was highly prevalent CVD risk factor particularly increased LDL 61.2%, followed by hypertension 46.8%, Obesity 14.8% and hyperglycemia 8.8%. Except hyperlipidemia, which was higher in women 63.6%, men had higher prevalence of obesity 17.4%, hypertension 48.4% and hyperglycemia 9.3%. Participants from urban area had higher prevalence of hypertension 47.3%, hyperglycemia 9.7% and hyperlipidemia 62.4%. However, Obesity was slightly higher 16.6% in rural population. Conclusion: This study indicates Men had higher prevalence of CVD risk factors, and according to geographic location, urbanized population based higher prevalence of CVD risk factors.

Results of a 7-year prospective follow-up in the Interepid study: factors influencing all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in rural residents of Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic

Aim. To assess the 7-year survival rate and the association of risk factors (RFs) with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among rural residents in Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as to analyze ethnic characteristics (according to the Interepid study).Material and methods. This study was carried out within the Interepid international project, which included a cross-sectional epidemiological study of the prevalence of major noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors in 2011- 2012, and a prospective stage among rural residents of two countries (Russia, the Kyrgyz Republic). In 2019, the vital status of respondents was reassessed (7 years after the initial examination), and endpoints were collected, including all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.Results. A significant similarity of rural residents of the analyzed regions in relation to the factors associated with mortality was revealed. Smoking in men, obesity in women, and hypertension in both sexes were associated with an increased death risk. Country differences were found only in relation to low physical activity and dietary habits. Ethnic developments in the population of the Kyrgyz Republic also concerned only the contribution of food habits.Conclusion. The results obtained are important for planning, implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of public health promotion programs. It is also necessary to develop differentiated treatment and prevention measures in the Russian population and among the indigenous inhabitants of the Kyrgyz Republic, including taking into account the prevalence of CVD risk factors and their impact on life prognosis.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK FACTORS PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATION AMONG THE MALE POPULATION

Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent disease aficting people in industrialised and developing countries alike, including India. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVD, its risk factors, and the relationship between genetic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and environmental factors and CVD risk. Survey was carried out by using pretested questionnaire among randomly selected 541 (app. 7%) adult males of Vallabh Vidyanagar. Their anthropometric measurements were taken; lipid prole and blood pressure was evaluated. The prevalence rate of CVD was 15.3%. Systolic blood pressure (32.1%), diastolic blood pressure (22.7%), overweight (30.23%), obesity (6.9%), diabetes (14.7%), low HDL-c (58.9%), high triglyceride level (15.6%), high LDL-c (7.4%), and hypercholesterolemia (7.4%) were the most common main CVD risk factors (5.7 percent ). Among all the variables age and occupation showed highest signicant association with CVD. Hypertension, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, and the TC:HDL-c ratio all exhibited a signicant connection with age and BMI. A predictive equation P=ex/1+ex, Where x= 0.696+ 3.411* Income (1) +3.183* Income (2) +1.682* Income (3) -1.295* Triglyceride (1) -2.766* Triglyceride (2) -3.792* Age (1) -102.034* Age (2) -3.135* Age (3) -3.384* Age (4) -2.464* Age (5) -1.041* Diabetic (1) was developed using multiple logistic regression analysis, which can be easily implemented to predict the strength of CVD. Based on the ndings, it can be inferred that the prevalence of CVD risk factors in males in Vallabh Vidyanagar is quite low. The "At Risk" male population, on the other hand, is enormous and requires regular re-evaluation.

Influence of shift work on cardiovascular disease risk in Southern African long-distance truck drivers: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major problem globally. Truck drivers have an increased risk of CVD due to a sedentary lifestyle, irregular working hours and behavioural choices. We aimed to...

IDF21-0303 Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in English young, middle-aged and older adult with and without diabetes

Background: The trends of CVD prevalence in England by age are known but the prevalence of CVD risk factors in populations with and without diabetes needs more attention for early preventative public health strategies.

Cardiovascular risks in patients with psoriasis (literature review)

The article is of an overview nature and contains up-to-date information on comorbid cardiovascular pathology in psoriasis. Various studies have shown that psoriasis is associated with a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The relationship between the severity of psoriasis and the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as the prognostic risks with mortality rates, are discussed. Proposed common pathogenetic mechanisms include genetic factors, inflammatory pathways, adipokine secretion, insulin resistance, lipoprotein composition and function, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and hypercoagulability.

Effects of a school-based intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among secondary school students: A cluster-randomized, controlled trial.

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number cause of death worldwide. In Ghana CVD has been the leading cause of death since 2001. The prevalence of CVD risk factors among adolescents in Ghana has been increasing. This study seeks to develop, implement and evaluate the effects of a behavioral modification intervention program to reduce CVD risk factors among secondary school students in Brong Ahafo, Ghana.MethodsA cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted with schools as clusters over a period of six-months with pre and post intervention evaluations. Participants were public secondary school students (14–19 years) from four schools in Brong Ahafo, Ghana. Students in the intervention group were trained by the researchers whereas those of the control group received no intervention. The intervention included health education and physical activity modules. Follow-up data using same questionnaire were collected within two weeks after the intervention was completed. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed after replacing missing values using the multiple imputation method. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to assess the effects of the intervention study.ResultsThe GLMM analyses showed the intervention was effective in attaining 0.77(p<0.001), 0.72(p<0.001), 0.47(p<0.001), 0.56(p<0.001), and 0.39(p = 0.045) higher total physical activity, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and water scores respectively for the intervention group over the control group. The intervention was also significant in reducing -0.15(p<0.001),-0.23(p<0.001),-0.50(p<0.001),-0.32(p<0.001),-0.90(p<0.001),-0.87(p<0.001),-0.38(p<0.001), -0.63(p<0.001), -1.63(p<0.001), 0.61(p<0.001), and -1.53(p = 0.005) carbohydrates, fats and oils, fried eggs, fried chicken, carbonated drinks, sugar, sweet snacks, salted fish, weight, BMI, and diastolic BP. The odds of quitting alcohol use in the intervention group were 1.06 times more than the control group. There was no significant effect on reducing smoking and systolic BP.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for the intervention program to be integrated into the existing curriculum structure of secondary school schools. Implementing the intervention will allow for longer and more consistent impact on the reduction of CVD risk factors among secondary school students.

Comparison Between Blood Lipids And CVD Health Risk Appraisals In College-Age Students

PURPOSE: This study examined the prevalence of CVD risk factors in college-age students compared to their CVD health risk appraisal (HRA) score. METHODS: Subjects were 257 females and 208 males with a mean age of 21.1 ± 2.1 yr. and 21.6 ± 2.3 yr., a BMI of 23.9 ± 4.6 and 25.7 ± 4.0, and a body fat of 27.9 ± 8.9% and 17.9 ± 8.5%, respectively. All testing was completed during a single session. Height and weight were measured and used to calculate body mass index (BMI) and blood lipids obtained following a 12 hour fast. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results by sex for HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, diastolic and systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: The averages for HDL were 64.3 ± 17.6 and 51.2 ± 3.6 mg/dL, LDL 78.5 ± 26.7 and 77.5 ± 31.0 mg/dL for females and males, respectively. The average for total cholesterol were 163.6 ± 33.8 and 148.8 ± 31.3 mg/dL and triglycerides were 108.9 ± 54.8 and 111.6 ± 115.8 mg/dL for females and males, respectively. The average for blood glucose was 89.5 ± 15.9 and 90.6 ± 12.3 mg/dL for females and males, respectively. The average for diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure was 64.7 ± 14.8 and 70.2 ± 12.2 mm Hg and 103.9 ± 20.3 and 114.7 ± 17.7 mm Hg for females and males, respectively. While most of the subjects were in the “desirable” cut point range, there was a prevalence of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome risk. When compared to the HRA data scores, the majority of the low risk scores had desirable levels for total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and body mass index. In terms of HDL, the low risk HRA group was almost evenly split between optimal levels and suboptimal levels. Results demonstrate HRA in college students provide a very good prediction of their assessment of cardiovascular disease. HRA scores aligned closely with their biomedical data. While only 2.1% of the students would be classified with metabolic syndrome, 41% of college age students have one or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome with one subject having 5 risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that implementation of a HRA could help health care providers identify and screen for CVD risk factors earlier and education and awareness of CVD risk factors is needed in college age students.

Frequency of Detection of the Main Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Events Among Servicemen

Frequency of Detection of the Main Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Events Among Servicemen

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk for Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Disease in Ghana’s Northern Region A Cross-sectional Study of 4 Rural Districts using World Health Organization / International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) Risk Prediction Charts

Ghana is experiencing an increase in cardiovascular (CVD) -related mortality with poor rural communities suffering greater complications and premature deaths. The point of this exploratory research is to evaluate the prevalence of CVD risk factors and to calculate the cardiovascular risk among adults aged &amp;gt; 40 years in Ghana&amp;rsquo;s Northern Region. A cross-sectional study was performed with 536 subjects. A pre-tested questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and standardized WHO/ISH risk prediction charts assessed for 10-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal major cardiovascular event according to age, sex, blood pressure, smoking status, and diabetes mellitus status. Low, moderate and high CVD prevalence risk in females was 88.4%, 7.1%, and 4.5% while in males the prevalence was 91.3%, 5.8%, and 2.9%, respectively. Hypertension was noted as a clinically significant risk factor with females at 37.3% versus males at 32%. The 10-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event was statistically significant for females according to age group. A moderate to high CVD risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event was found in 10.4% of subjects. Notable CVD risk factors included a high prevalence of hypertension. Decentralizing care to local village healthcare facilities is one way to tackle cardiovascular risk reduction. Task shifting of primary care duties from physicians to nurses in terms of cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment and management of uncomplicated CV risk factors is a potential solution to the acute shortage of trained health staffs for the control and prevention of CVD in Northern Ghana.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in HIV-Infected Adults in North-Central Nigeria: Prevalence, Associated Factors and Assessment of Risk Using the Framingham Risk Score – Preliminary Results from a Survey

HIV/AIDS is an increasingly important cause of cardiovascular (CVD) morbidity world-wide. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of CVD risk factors in HIV positive (HIV+) adults and assessment of these risks using the Framingham risk score (FRS). A cross-sectional study of adult clients of the HIV clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital. One hundred and fifty HIV+ selected randomly with 50 (age and sex matched) HIV negative (HIV-) participants were enrolled. Relevant history, physical examination and biochemical investigations and 12-lead electrocardiography were performed. Data was analyzed using Epi-info 7.2 statistical software and P value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. The prevalent major CVD risk factors were dyslipidaemia (30.0% versus 6.0%), hypertension (34.0% versus 10.0%) and diabetes mellitus (10.0% versus 2.0%) among the HIV+ and HIV- participants respectively. The FRS of the HIV+, 3 (IQR 3-28) were statistically significantly higher than that of the HIV- participants, 2 (IQR 1-13); P=0.001. Furthermore, 32% of the HIV+ had moderate-high FRS compared to 2% of HIV- participants. CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/ml, use of anti-retroviral (ART), ART use ≥ 2 years and use of protease inhibitors (PI) emerged as predictors of moderate-high FRS among the HIV+ participants. In conclusion, a high prevalence of CVD risk factors exists among HIV+ population in our local environment. These risk factors can be identified early by baseline/periodic cardiovascular work-up which should include use of CVD risk tools. Early diagnosis and treatment will significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors Impact on the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease among Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients in the United Arab Emirates

Objective: To define the impact of the cardiovascular risk factors on the extent of Coronary Artery Disease in STEMI patients and to identify the common prevalent risk factors that are unrecognized or poorly treated resulting in STEMI among the UAE population. Methods: Retrospective cohort on patients presented to Mediclinic City Hospital from 2011-2016 who underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for confirmed ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Results: Of the total 104 STEMI patients, 91% were males. Mean (+SD) of 53 (+12.5) years of age. 73% were less than 60 years old. The most prevalent risk factor was hypertension (42%). 38% of diabetics had an HbA1C of &gt;7%. 14% of the dyslipidemic had above target lipid levels in spite of Statin. 100% of the study population had at least 1 risk factor, ≥2 risk factors (97%), ≥3 risk factors (82%). 50% had 1 or more incidental risk factors diagnosed after admission. Dyslipidemia (36%) was the commonest incidental risk factor. The total risk factor counts increased significantly when the incidental or poorly treated risk factors were added to the initial risk factors on admission. Anterior Wall STEMI (38%) was the commonest. Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery (48%) was the commonest culprit vessel. The majority had Triple Vessel Disease (37%). 37% developed in-hospital complications. Multivessel disease patients had more risk factors than in single-vessel disease but the association between the number of risk factors and disease severity was not statistically significant. The odds of multivessel disease increased with cumulative risk factor categories, but there was no significant trend association. Conclusion: Our study attempted to determine the impact of CVD risk factors on the severity of CAD among STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI. Contrary to other studies, there was no statistical difference noted in the prevalence of CVD risk factors between the single-vessel and multivessel disease. The study did prove that the incidental or under-diagnosed or inadequately treated risk factors had an impact on the severity of CAD. The study stress that every single CVD risk factor should be treated with equal importance. Statistically significant associations need to be confirmed in future studies with a larger number of patients.