Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Resource Poor Communities in Lima, Peru: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the second leading cause of death inPeru, behind respiratory disease. e purpose of this study was to better quantify thelevel of CVD risk in resource poor communities of northern Lima. Methods and findings: Data was collected from urban, impoverished communitiesof Lima, Peru consisting of demographics, dietary recall, glycosylated hemoglobin,lipids and body mass index. Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease risk factors are prevalent with alarming percentagesof the population demonstrating abnormal values in most variables examined, andincreased risk utilizing the risk calculator. Higher levels of modifiable CVD risk factorsexist in resource poor communities in northern Lima, Peru. Lifestyle modification focusedon a plant-based diet might be an affordable, cost-effective approach to reducingCVD risk.