[Cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly patients in primary care]

Aim of the study was to assess cardiovascular risk in the elderly patients during single visit to primary care (PC) offices.

The study was performed in 256 units of PC in 2004 and 2005 year. Demographic data, history of diabetes and smoking habit were obtained from patients older than 60 years old, who visited general practitioners. Moreover, blood pressure, pulse, weight and height used to calculate body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and glucose strip tests were performed. Blood pressure levels were classified according to the guidelines, BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 was considered as obesity, waist > or = 88 cm for women and > or = 102 cm for men were criterions of visceral obesity. Passing glucose > 125 mg/dl (6,9 mmol/l) was noted. Mean values and the performance of studied parameters were compared between three age groups: 61-70, 71-80, and > 80 years and reference to gender.

26 801 patients aged between 61 and 102 years were examined, 59.5% were women, 81.9% were hypertensives, more often men. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) was diagnosed in 1/4 of subjects, more often in women. Along with age, the frequency of ISH and severe stages of hypertension increased. 39.8% subjects had visceral obesity, more often women (51.8% vs. 21.9%). Frequency of visceral obesity decreased along with age but constantly was significantly greater among women than men. Diabetes and glucose > 125 mg/dl was stated in 26.0% and 26.3%, respectively. Frequency of smokers was 19.3%, more frequent in men (30.9% vs. 11.5%), and decreased with age.

Increased cardiovascular risk of primary care elderly patients was mainly connected with high frequency of hypertension, especially ISH in the oldest. Among elderly men additional risk resulted from widespread smoking habit, while among women from high frequency of obesity, especially visceral.