[Detection of cardiovascular risk in healthcare workers on the basis of WHO/JNC 7/ATP III criteria]

Abstract

Background: Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements are significant parameters in the assessment of cardiovascular risk (CVR). The aim was to establish the distribution of clinical-anthropometric parameters in health care workers according to the criteria established by WHO/JNC 7/ATP III.

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study in 350 workers of a general hospital. Definitions of anthropometric alterations were made considering the criteria established by WHO and the Asian ATP III, while altered blood pressure was defined by criteria JNC 7 and ATP III.

Results: The average age of workers was 34 years. The prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, and impaired waist-hip ratio (WHR) was higher according to the ATP III criteria. The distribution of obesity prevailed in females, administrative personnel, and nursing according to WHO criteria, but there were no differences according to ATP III criteria. The WHR predominated in females and impaired blood pressure in males. 50% showed impaired capillary glucose. The number of anthropometric and clinical abnormalities, as well as its combinations, varied; most often it was found in one and three alterations with WHO and ATP III criteria, respectively.

Conclusions: The prevalence of CVR factors in health workers is high, which is why we suggest to implement immediate action strategies to reduce its comorbidities and the institutional and personal costs related to these factors; we also encourage to apply the ATP criteria to decrease the subdiagnostic of CVR in this population.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Health care sector; Risk factors; Workers.