Anthropometric indices and cardiovascular risk factors among women living in a rural area of Rio Grande do Sul state <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To assess anthropometric indices and blood pressure levels in women living in the rural area of Catuípe, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, aiming to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease related to changes in these parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March-April 2008, including women from the rural area of Catuípe who participated of groups of mothers organized by a state enterprise of the region. Specific techniques and protocols were used for collection of anthropometric data and blood pressure. The variables studied were age, marital status, education, occupational activity, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure levels. RESULTS: Of 267 women, 4.5% were underweight, 36% were well-nourished, 29.6% were overweight, 26.6% were obese grade I, 33.5% were obese grade II and 3.9% were obese grade III. Among the 79 overweight women, 37.9% had between 40 and 49 years. Of the 71 women classified as obese grade I, 47.8% had more than 59 years, and 66.6% of the sample was underweight in this age group. For waist circumference, 19.1% of women were considered of low risk for cardiovascular disease, 26.2% were considered of moderate risk and 54.7% of high risk. We found 48.3% of pre-hypertensive women, 32.5% with normal blood pressure levels, and 19.1% with hypertension class I or II. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients in the sample were overweight or obese and two thirds had high blood pressure. The proportion of women susceptible to degenerative diseases, defined by these parameters, increased with advancing age, being characterized that the health of the study population is in state of alert.