Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in relation to socio-demographic profile of the life course study in cardiovascular disease epidemiology study (LIFECARE) Philippine cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the distribution of the clinical cardiovascular risk profile of the LIFECARE Philippine cohort in relation to its socio-demographic factors.
METHODS: We recruited a total of 3,072 apparently healthy participants from Manila and nearby provinces of Rizal, Batangas, Bulacan and Quezon. Face-to-face interview was done to obtain socio-demographic data. Baseline clinical parameters and biochemical tests were obtained. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was determined by sex, place of residence, level of education and employment.
RESULTS: Overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was at 5%, similar between sexes, area class, educational attainment and employment status. More smokers were male, employed or with an elementary level of education. Prevalence of hypertension was at 14.5% and was seen more in males, urban dwellers, employed or with an elementary level of education. Dyslipidemia was seen more in males, living in the rural areas, employed or with a college level of education. Lastly, obese participants were seen more in females, living in urban areas, employed with a college level of education.
CONCLUSION: Older, male and employed participants who are living in the urban areas have more cardiovascular risk factors.