Cardiovascular risk factors and sociodemographic characteristics in elderly registered in a Family Health Unit

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20164003334342

Abstract

Population aging is accompanied by changes in the pattern of morbidity and mortality, resulting in increased exposure
of individuals to the risk factors and noncommunicable chronic diseases. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of
modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and to associate with the sociodemographic characteristics of elderly registered in
a Family Health Unit. This is an observational cross-sectional study, conducted with 139 elderly people. Data collection
was carried out through a structured questionnaire containing questions regarding sociodemographic information
and cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes, sedentary and overweight/obesity).
Anthropometric measurements also were realized, such as weight, height and abdominal circumference, the body mass
index also was calculated. It was observed that of the 139 recruited elderly, 75.5% were female. The mean age of the
elderly was 72.32 ± 8.4 years. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors were: hypertension 64.7%; obesity 63.1%;
sedentary lifestyle 46.8%; abdominal circumference high 41.3%, diabetes mellitus 15.1%; alcoholism 13.8% and smoking
10.1%. Association was verified between sedentary and age group of 60-69 years (p=0.004) and non-caucasians/race
(p=0.013); high abdominal circumference (p=0.005) and smoking (p = 0.03) with female sex; consumption of alcohol
with males (p=0.004) and diabetes mellitus with economic class A and B (p = 0.04). This study showed a high prevalence
of cardiovascular risk factors in elderly registered in a Family Health Unit.