Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in a Nigerian Rural Community as a Means of Primary Prevention Evaluation Strategy Using Framingham Risk Calculator.

Abstract

Objective: In view of the current trend of cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, coupled with the majority of the population in the rural setting and the need for preventive strategy, this study aimed at determining the 10-year absolute risk for cardiovascular events in rural setting of AayeEkiti, Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. Methods:Cross sectional study was conducted in a typical rural community in Ekiti State, Southwest, Nigeria involving 183 participants aged 40 to 79 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to determine the sociodemographic variables and relevant risk factors such as age, gender, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, and systolic blood pressure were determined. Framingham risk calculator was used to determine the 10-year absolute risk in line with National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Version. Results:The study involved 183 participants, age range 60 to 79years, 34.4% were males while 65.6% were females. Over half (59.1%) belong to the low risk (˂10%) category, while 31.1% belong to the intermediate risk category (10-20%) and 9.8% belong to the high risk category (˃20%). There was statistical significant difference between males and females. Conclusion:Based on the results, the high proportion of patients in the intermediate and high risk categories suggest need for necessary preventive intervention strategy to be part of health care program in the rural settings.