Cardiovascular risk factors among nursing students of a public university

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors are diverse biological signs and acquired habits which the general population can have; and therefore young students are not exempt of them.

Objective: To identify the presence of cardiovascular risk factors among baccalaureate-level nursing students of a public university in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Methodology: This is a descriptive and transversal study. The sample of 286 individuals was constituted by simple random sampling. Data were recorded in specific risk factors charts.

Results: Some of these university students have familial backgrounds which could be linked to cardiovascular risks: 45.8% hypertension; 43.4% hypercholesterolemia, and 39.8% diabetes. Also related, 55.9% perform mild physical activity; 60.1% rarely or never consume carbonated beverages, and 51.8% have only one or two meals a day.

Discussion and conclusion: The most prevalent familial risk factor was arterial hypertension; while other identified risk factors were physical inactivity, inadequate diets, and prolonged fasting. It is relevant to encourage young university students to improve their lifestyles in order to lower their cardiovascular risk factors. Among the addressing strategies can be a responsible self-care reflected by healthy diets and physical activity in an ongoing basis.