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A 10-Year Risk Assessment and Primary Prevention Study of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among Adult Patients
Abdulhameed Alkhalaf1, Qasem Aljabr2, Khalid Al Mulla3
1Family Medicine, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Alahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Most adults in Al-Ahsa have low atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. However, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension are key predictors of high ASCVD risk, necessitating targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality.
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) presents a major public health challenge in Saudi Arabia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the 10-year ASCVD risk in adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
- To identify prevalent risk factors for ASCVD in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 58,743 adults aged 35-75 years in Al-Ahsa.
- ASCVD risk calculated using ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations.
- Statistical analysis to determine predictors of high ASCVD risk.
Main Results:
- 76.3% of participants had low ASCVD risk (≤10%).
- 10.4% had high ASCVD risk (≥20%), predicted by smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and male gender.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) showed a protective effect, reducing risk by 3%.
Conclusions:
- While most adults in Al-Ahsa are at low ASCVD risk, a notable percentage faces elevated risk.
- Modifiable factors like smoking, diabetes, and hypertension are critical targets for intervention.
- Adherence to statin and aspirin therapy is crucial for managing ASCVD risk in this population.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily driven by atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) poses a significant public health challenge. To estimate the 10-year ASCVD risk among adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, and identify prevalent risk factors such as age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, and preventive medication use. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 58,743 adults aged 35-75 years from the Al-Ahsa Health Cluster. The ASCVD risk was calculated using the ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations. Statistical analysis identified predictors of high ASCVD risk. Results: Most participants (76.3%) were at low ASCVD risk (≤10%), 13.3% at borderline to intermediate risk (10-19%), and 10.4% at high risk (≥20%). Smoking, diabetes (39.6%), hypertension (40.8%), and male gender were key predictors of high ASCVD risk. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was protective, reducing ASCVD risk by 3%. Among high-risk individuals, 29.7% used aspirin, and 58.3% used statins. Conclusions: While most adults in Al-Ahsa are at low ASCVD risk, a significant portion remains at elevated risk. Modifiable risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and hypertension, combined with statin and aspirin adherence, highlight critical areas for targeted interventions to reduce the ASCVD burden in this population.
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