Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5958654 | Global Heart | 2016 | 10 Pages |
BackgroundCurrently available tools for assessing high cardiovascular risk (HCR) often require measurements not available in resource-limited settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There is a need to assess HCR using a pragmatic evidence-based approach.ObjectivesThis study sought to report the prevalence of HCR in 10 LMIC areas in Africa, Asia, and South America and to investigate the profiles and correlates of HCR.MethodsCross-sectional analysis using data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-UnitedHealth Group Centers of Excellence. HCR was defined as history of heart disease/heart attack, history of stroke, older age (â¥50 years for men and â¥60 for women) with history of diabetes, or older age with systolic blood pressure â¥160 mm Hg. Prevalence estimates were standardized to the World Health Organization's World Standard Population.ResultsA total of 37,067 subjects ages â¥35 years were included; 53.7% were women and mean age was 53.5 ± 12.1 years. The overall age-standardized prevalence of HCR was 15.4% (95% confidence interval: 15.0% to 15.7%), ranging from 8.3% (India, Bangalore) to 23.4% (Bangladesh). Among men, the prevalence was 1.7% for the younger age group (35 to 49 years) and 29.1% for the older group (â¥50); among women, 3.8% for the younger group (35 to 59 years) and 40.7% for the older group (â¥60). Among the older group, measured systolic blood pressure â¥160 mm Hg (with or without other conditions) was the most common criterion for having HCR, followed by diabetes. The proportion of having met more than 1 criterion was nearly 20%. Age, education, and body mass index were significantly associated with HCR. Cross-site differences existed and were attenuated after adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, and body mass index.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HCR in 10 LMIC areas was generally high. This study provides a starting point to define targeted populations that may benefit from interventions combining both primary and secondary prevention strategies.