Prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease in northern Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Death rates remain high and may be due to the high prevalence and, at the same time, the still poor control of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: This is an analytical and observational study carried out in a cardiology outpatient clinic from August 2015 to August 2016, by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and ethical recommendations were respected. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of the combination of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease, as well as to assess knowledge of personal risk factors. Results: There was a predominance of females (70%), mean age 63.87 years. The majority were declared brown (75.56%), single (41.11%), with low educational level (57.79%) and income (61.11%) and without occupational activity (56.67%). Most of the individuals had unstable angina as their medical diagnosis (74.44%). There was a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, mainly systemic arterial hypertension (83.33%), dyslipidemia (62.22%), sedentary lifestyle (74.44%) and overweight (64.44%). Central obesity was identified in 88.89% of the women and 51.85% of the men. According to the body mass index, obesity was found in 37.78%. About the knowledge, 74.44% of subjects reported knowing the conditions that predispose coronary artery disease. Smoking (36.67%) and systemic arterial hypertension (34.44%) were the most cited cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: There was an unsatisfactory knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors, as well as a lack of control and a high prevalence of risk factors. The characterization of cardiovascular risk factors is essential for more cost-effective interventions.