Riesgo cardiovascular en personas de 40 a 75 años del Sindicato de Choferes Profesionales del Cañar Matriz Azogues - Ecuador. 2024-2025

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular risk is a key factor in public health, given its link to serious diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Various medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, increase this risk, causing damage to the circulatory system. For this reason, identifying and managing these risks is crucial to preventing complications in the population. Objectives: To determine cardiovascular risk using the HEARTS tool in the population between 40 and 75 years of age, considering factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and overweight, to analyze their impact on the development of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The study was observational, descriptive, with a quantitative cross-sectional approach a non-probabilistic sampling technique based on participants' availability. Inclusion criteria included signed informed consent and age range, while exclusion criteria included individuals with cognitive impairments and pregnant women, obtaining a sample of 221 participants. Results: A total of 44.8% of participants had low risk, 25.8% a moderate risk, 23.5% a high risk, and 5.9% a very high risk. There was a prevalence of overweight in 55.7%, hypertension in 36.2%, while 32.6% were smokers, and 13.6% had diabetes mellitus. A higher risk was evidenced in people over 60 years old. Conclusions: The research reveals a significant prevalence of overweight, hypertension, and smoking, with cardiovascular risk being mostly low to moderate. However, greater vulnerability is observed in participants over 60 years old, highlighting the importance of preventive interventions focused on this age group. Keywords: risk factors, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, smoking