Epidemiological features of patients ascribed to a primary care cardiovascular health program in Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Background: Hypertension and diabetes are highly prevalent conditions in Chilean adults. Aim: To describe the demographic and clinical profiles, risk factors and complications associated with arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients ascribed to a cardiovascular health program at a public primary health care center in Santiago. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of 583 patients aged 37 to 95 years (56% women). Gender, age, smoking habits, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin levels, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels, nutritional status in the last control carried out, and associated cardiovascular complications were recorded. Results: Thirty four percent (201 participants) and 36% (210 participants) had a decompensated DM and AH, respectively. Dyslipidemia was the main associated cardiovascular risk factor. The prevalence of obesity was 43% (249 participants). Twenty percent had chronic kidney disease and 13% had diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions: These patients have a high frequency of obesity, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease.