Jumana H Khouja
Objectives: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) remains the major cause of global mortality. This community-based study assessed CVD risk among female’s ≥30 years in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: All women living in the National Guard Residential City (n=616) received CVD screening and clinical and laboratory assessments from 1st of January to 30th of April 2015. The Framingham risk score was calculated for each individual and their readiness to make lifestyle changes was assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors of CVD risk.
Results: Most participants (n=531; mean age, 42 ± 8 years) were in the low risk group (86%). The moderate (10%) and high (4%) risk groups (n=85) had a mean age of 49 ± 6.5 years. CVD risk was seven-fold (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 3.6%- 16.3%), six-fold (95% CI, 3%-14%) five-fold (95% CI, 2.4%-10.6%), two-fold (95% CI, 1.2%-5%), and almost three-fold (95% CI, 1.3%-5.4%) in women with diabetes, hypertension, family history of heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, and those who were junk food consumers compared to other women. Thinking of changing lifestyle was a protective factor.
Conclusion: CVD risk factors, including co-morbid conditions, inactive lifestyle, family history of chronic conditions, and smoking were associated with moderate to high CVD risk among participants. The findings also highlight the need to provide comprehensive interdisciplinary programs according to individual risk and readiness to change.
