[Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of health-care workers].

BACKGROUND

To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in healthcare workers from two tertiary-care hospitals of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, as well as their association with professional activities (PA).

METHODS

Descriptive study. One-thousand eighty-nine health-care workers ≥ 18 years were included. Clinical history, physical exam, and blood tests were performed.

RESULTS

Mean age 41 ± 9 years, 76% women. Hypertension prevalence was 19%, diabetes mellitus 9.6%, dyslipidemia 78%, overweight and obesity 73%, metabolic syndrome (MS) 32.5%, and smoking 19%. The following significant associations (p < 0.05) were found: MS with medical asisstants (OR: 2.73, CI 95%: 1.31-5.69) and nutritionist (OR: 2.6, CI 95%: 1.31-5.24); obesity with administrative personnel (OR: 3.64, CI 95%: 1.40-7.46); dyslipidemia with medical asisstants (OR: 2.58, CI 95%: 1.15-6.34). In the whole sample, the probability to have a vascular event in the following 10 years was 10%.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of CVRF was high in this sample of health-care workers and did not seem to be different from those in general population. Medical assistants, nutritionist, and administrative personnel displayed a higher risk. It is necessary to create programs to promote healthy lifestyle and to improve the epidemiological profile of health-care workers.