Introduction

High blood pressure (HBP), diabetes (DM2), obesity, dyslipidemia and lifestyle habits such as diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking are risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of risk factors, which are associated with cardiovascular diseases, in the population aged 18 to 64 years old living in the Ayacucho district and their relationship with modifiable behavioral factors.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in which the Ministry of Health's "Research Model, Risk Factors of Noncommunicable Diseases, and Health-Related Quality of Life Measures" was applied to a sample of 412 people. Laboratory tests were conducted for glycemia and lipid panel, and weight, height (anthropometry) and blood pressure were recorded. The data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Chi-squared tests with a 95% confidence level.

Results

64.8% of the population showed at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Prevalences of 14.6 and 7.8% were observed for HBP and DM2, respectively, which significantly increase with age (p<0.05) and occur more frequently in men, alcohol abusers and smokers who are poorly fed with low levels of physical activity.

Conclusions

HBP, DM2, dyslipidemia and obesity are associated with modifiable behavioral risk factors. If corrective actions are implemented, the risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases will be reduced. This information should be used in the evaluation of the impact of intervention programs carried out in the region.

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