Cardiovascular risk assessment in primary care employees

Despite the importance and availability of cardiovascular risk stratification (CVR) systems, few Latin American studies use them in health care workers.

To evaluate the CVR stratification based on type, number of risk factors and current blood pressure category in primary care employees.

Cross-sectional design study (n = 308). Through an interview, CVR, labor, contractual and sociodemographic profiles were collected. Weight, height, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol were also measured. The CVR prevalence and prevalence ratio were estimated according to labor, contractual and sociodemographic characteristics. Difference in proportions tests were applied.

Obesity and central obesity were present in 32.4% and 58.5% of participants, respectively. Blood pressure was high normal in 11.8% and grade 1 hypertension was in 7.2%. Nineteen percent had low, moderate or high CVR; and 53.9% registered ≥ 3 risk factors. The highest PR corresponded to have ≥ 7 years of service, followed by age ≥ 38 years, permanent hiring status, male sex and married status.

The stratification system was practical and feasible. Planning preventive and corrective actions is of great importance for lowering cardiovascular events and lost productive years.