RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population worldwide. Most studies on risk factors have focused on children and adults of mature age. Quite the opposite, there are few which specifically analyze young individuals. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine cardiovascular risk factors in young Mexican adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was carried out on a healthy sample of 198 young Mexican university-level adults, aged from 18 to 25 years who, after completing a questionnaire, were evaluated on anthropometric and blood pressure parameters. A comparative analysis of the results was made according to sex and with findings from other studies. RESULTS: In 46% of the subjects, an atherogenic diet was identified (predominant among males). About 59.1% of the individuals were classified as sedentary (mostly women). About 91.4% of the sample had two or more associated antecedents of CVD (and other associated conditions) in their family background, the most frequent being diabetes mellitus (71.2%), systemic hypertension (64.6%), and overweight or obesity (56.6%). In 25.8% of the individuals, overweight was observed (more frequent among women). In males, a higher proportion of alterations in blood pressure levels was described. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequently identified findings correspond to the group of modifiable minor risk factors, which could allow the development of preventive measures, inasmuch as these are subjects in which the modification of harmful behaviors and habits is achievable and timely.
RESUMO
Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population worldwide. Most studies on risk factors have focused on children and adults of mature age. Quite the opposite, there are few which specifically analyze young individuals. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine cardiovascular risk factors in young Mexican adults. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was carried out on a healthy sample of 198 young Mexican university-level adults, aged from 18 to 25 years who, after completing a questionnaire, were evaluated on anthropometric and blood pressure parameters. A comparative analysis of the results was made according to sex and with findings from other studies. Results: In 46% of the subjects, an atherogenic diet was identified (predominant among males). About 59.1% of the individuals were classified as sedentary (mostly women). About 91.4% of the sample had two or more associated antecedents of CVD (and other associated conditions) in their family background, the most frequent being diabetes mellitus (71.2%), systemic hypertension (64.6%), and overweight or obesity (56.6%). In 25.8% of the individuals, overweight was observed (more frequent among women). In males, a higher proportion of alterations in blood pressure levels was described. Conclusions: The most frequently identified findings correspond to the group of modifiable minor risk factors, which could allow the development of preventive measures, inasmuch as these are subjects in which the modification of harmful behaviors and habits is achievable and timely.
Resumen Antecedentes: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) son la principal causa de morbimortalidad en la población adulta a nivel mundial. La mayor parte de los estudios sobre factores de riesgo han focalizado su atención en niños y adultos de edad madura. Por el contrario, resultan escasos aquellos que analicen específicamente individuos jóvenes. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en adultos jóvenes mexicanos. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, realizado en una muestra sana de 198 adultos jóvenes mexicanos de nivel universitario de 18 a 25 años a quienes, tras completar un cuestionario, se les evaluaron parámetros antropométricos y de tensión arterial. Se hizo un análisis comparativo de los resultados de acuerdo con el sexo y con hallazgos de otros estudios. Resultados: En el 46% de los sujetos se identificó una dieta aterogénica (predominante entre varones). El 59.1% de los individuos se clasificaron como sedentarios (en su mayoría mujeres). El 91.4% de la muestra cuenta con dos o más antecedentes heredofamiliares de ECV (y otras condiciones asociadas), siendo los más frecuentes la diabetes mellitus (71.2%), la hipertensión arterial sistémica (64.6%) y el sobrepeso u obesidad (56.6%). El 25.8% de los individuos cursó con sobrepeso (más frecuente entre mujeres). En los varones se presentó una mayor proporción de alteraciones en los niveles de tensión arterial. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos identificados con mayor frecuencia corresponden al grupo de factores de riesgo menores modificables, lo cual podría permitir el desarrollo de medidas preventivas, al tratarse de sujetos en quienes es asequible la modificación de conductas y hábitos nocivos.