Cardiovascular risk and lifestyle in adult patients of a private sanatorium in the city of Santa Fe

Abstract

Introduction: a healthy lifestyle will prevent the appearance of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), allowing greater longevity and quality of life.

Objective: the aim of this study was to determine cardiovascular risk (CVR) and components of cardiovascular health in adult patients attending a private sanatorium in the city of Santa Fe.

Materials and method: analytical, cross-sectional study. Patients (40-75 years old, both sexes) who spontaneously attended a private sanatorium in the city of Santa Fe between August 2021 and July 2022 were included. Patients with CVD were excluded. Through personal interviews, telephone interviews and medical records, CVR was calculated (PAHO/WHO calculator) and cardiovascular health components were evaluated according to the American Heart Association (AHA): systolic blood pressure (BP) <130 mmHg and/or diastolic <85 mmHg), cholesterol (<200 mg/dL), blood glucose (<100 mg/dL), body mass index (BMI) (<65 years: 18.5-25 kg/m2; >65 years: 22-27 kg/m2), consumption of fruits and vegetables (≥5 servings/day), physical activity (moderate/high level), smoking (non-smoking/non-ex-smoker) and sleep, sleeping 6-8 hours at night. Stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed. Results expressed in frequencies (95% CI). The InfoStat program was used.

Results: 94 patients participated, 44% female (53.4±8.2 years). 21.3% of patients had high CVR and 5.5% had very high CVR. Only 18.9% had adequate BP and 21.4% were classified in the normal weight category. A total of 53.6% had desirable cholesterol and 54.4% had desirable blood glucose. Among lifestyle behaviors: 84.2% were non-smokers. Of the total who answered the telephone surveys, 13.3% consumed ≥5 servings/day of fruits and vegetables, 59.6% had a moderate/high level of physical activity, and 52% slept the recommended hours. 52.9% had a low level of stress and 53.3% did not show symptoms of anxiety.

Conclusion: most of the patients were classified into the categories of low to moderate CVR with a high frequency of risk factors (high BP, excess weight, high blood glucose and high cholesterol). Lifestyle modifications (fruit and vegetable intake, level of physical activity, sleep duration, and symptoms of stress and anxiety) are needed to reduce CVR.