Status of novel cardiovascular risk factor and cardiovascular disease risk in an urban Cuban population--a pilot...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in Cuba.
• The prevalence of both traditional and novel CVD risk factors in the Cuban population is largely unknown.
• Understanding these risk factors is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of traditional and novel cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
• To assess these risk factors in an urban adult population in Havana, Cuba.
• To explore associations between risk factors and nutritional status.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional pilot survey was conducted in Havana, Cuba.
• Ninety-seven adults aged 45-60 years were included.
• Prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL-cholesterol, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, smoking, elevated C-reactive protein, low vitamin E, and high tHcy were measured.

Main Results:

• High prevalence rates were observed for hypertension (53.6%), hypercholesterolemia (47.0%), low HDL-cholesterol (64.3%), metabolic syndrome (58.2%), and overweight/obesity (78.0%).
• Diabetes (24.6%), current smoking (39.3%), elevated C-reactive protein (32.1%), and low vitamin E levels (69.6%) were also common.
• Total serum carotenoid status was independently associated with waist circumference, diabetes risk, and metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

• This study reveals a high prevalence of both traditional and novel cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the surveyed urban Cuban population.
• Low serum vitamin E levels and elevated C-reactive protein indicate significant nutritional and inflammatory burdens.
• Total serum carotenoid status may play a role in the development of CVD risk factors, warranting further investigation.