Assessment of the Cardiovascular Risk of Persons with Hypertension and Diabetes Attending Clinics and Hypertension/Health Club Meetings in the AMIGA Municipalities of Cavite, Philippines using WHO/ISH Risk Prediction Charts

Abstract

Objectives. This study aims to (1) determine the cardiovascular risk of persons with hypertension and diabetes
attending hypertension/diabetic clinics or hypertension/health club meetings in the AMIGA (Alfonso, Mendez,
Indang, General Emilio Aguinaldo and Amadeo) municipalities of Cavite; (2) suggest measures to improve the
cardiovascular disease (CVD) program in these municipalities using the results of the study.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed on patients diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes who
are attending clinics or club meetings in the barangays of the five AMIGA municipalities of Cavite. Participants
were interviewed using an abbreviated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaire
on risk factors. The participants’ anthropometric measurements were obtained and their total blood cholesterol
levels determined. CVD risk was then estimated using the WHO / International Society of Hypertension (ISH) risk
prediction chart for the Western Pacific Region B.

Results. 1,032 participants from 27 barangays qualified for the study. Participants were predominantly female
(74%); over-all mean age was 58.43 years. Majority of the participants (79.17%) were found to be in the low-risk
group; 11.34% were in the moderate risk group; 4.46% were in the high-risk group; while 5.05% were in the very
high-risk group. Majority of the participants were also found to be obese. Mean total cholesterol was 207.02 mg/dl.

Conclusion. Majority of participants were stratified in the low-risk category (<10% chance to have cardiovascular
events in the next 10 years), while 9.5% were in the high-risk category (≥20% risk). Obesity is a major risk factor
that could be addressed in this population.