Introduction:

every day in Colombia 60 women die from cardiovascular disease and black women are at higher risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) these deaths are preventable. Care as a lifestyle is an intervention of the “Actúa con corazón de mujer” program of the Colombian Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (SCC) and the Colombian Heart Foundation (FCC).

Objective:

Train leaders to promote the adoption of healthy behaviors.

Method:

Municipalities with a black population were selected with the commitment of the local authorities. 395 women were elected. Risk perception was measured with an instrument adapted by the FCC. The educational intervention was divided into four sessions in each municipality for five months. Participants were trained in blood pressure measurement, blood pressure self-monitoring (AMPA) was used to confirm hypertension, and anthropometric and physiological measurements were included to calculate cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

Results:

The consolidated results of the instruments and measurements applied showed significant contributions in reducing cardiovascular risk, due to a new perception of the dangers and the incorporation of healthy behaviors

Conclusions:

the women learned about care. 90% reported “ideal” perception of risk, made promises and adopted behaviors taking action against their risk factors and more than 50% showed changes in anthropometric measurements. The results show that education strategies, especially with community leaders, can be of great relevance for public health.

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