Characterization of atherosclerotic risk factors

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerosis is a disease of the general metabolism. It constitutes the first cause of mortality and hospital morbidity, the behavior of its risk factors is unknown in Timor Leste. Objective: to describe the risk factors of atherosclerosis in hospitalized patients. Material and Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with 183 patients hospitalized at the National Hospital from January to June 2015. The information was collected from medical records and a questionnaire. For the statistical analysis, absolute frequencies and percentages were used; in addition to X2 test with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: dyslipemia (47.5%) and smoking (26.2%) for those under 40 and older than 40 years old (37.7% and 21.3%) were the predominant atherogenic risk factors. Smoking was associated with age and gender (p = 0.000) respectively, for a confidence rate of 95%. Fatty foods (67.2%) and salt (72.1%) were identified as inadequate dietary habits. Conclusions: there are factors to be investigated from the socio-cultural and biomedical points of view influencing on these risk factors, which will facilitate specific intervention strategies to reduce the risks of this disease. The management of modifiable risk factors is important for the prevention of atherosclerosis in Timor Leste.

Keywords

• Factores de riesgo
• Aterosclerosis/etioliogía/prevención&control.