Cardiovascular Risk Profile in Women from Three Different Areas of the Province of Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract

Background: The role of the environment on female population health in Tucumán has been little studied. This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk profile in women from rural, peri-urban and urban areas in the province of Tucumán (Argentina) and to analyse their differences. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 groups of women from Tucumán: rural (n = 125), peri-urban (n = 50) and urban (n = 112). Results: Blood pressure (BP) was lower in the rural group; the urban group showed higher heart rate and smaller neck circumference. Of the studied women, 29.7% were overweight and 42.4% obese, and no significant differences were found in the 3 groups. Increased neck circumference was observed in 62% of women in the rural group, 79% in the peri-urban group and 41% in the urban group (p <0.001). Smoking was more frequent in the urban group. In the urban and peri-urban groups, the proportion of women with higher education level was greater (p <0.001). Education level was positively correlated with heart rate. Conclusion: Regardless of the environment, women from Tucumán are overweight or obese and have other risk factors for cardio-vascular disease. This should be considered when planning policies and making decisions in order to improve their prognosis.