Cardiovascular disease risk in Turkish family health centers

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death both worldwide and in Turkey. The risk of CVD increases among those who are middle aged and among people with certain sociodemographic factors related to that risk. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the risk of CVD and assess the factors related to this risk among adults aged 40–65 years. The study consisted of 327 individuals (208 [63.6%] women and 119 [36.4%] men) from a family health center (FHC) in Antalya, Turkey, who volunteered to participate in the study. The average age of the patients was 52.7 years. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and September of 2016. The risk levels of the participants were calculated using the HeartScore program in 4 categories (low, moderate, high, and very high risk). In addition, sociodemographic and medical data were collected from the participants, as well. It was found that 3.4% of the patients were at a very high risk, 8% were at a high risk, 22% were at a moderate risk, and 66.7% were at a low risk of CVD. Major variables increasing this risk included diastolic hypertension by 7.49 (3.77–14.88) times. The individuals who completed secondary and high school had 2.44 times greater risk compared with those who completed primary school and lower education; moreover, those who completed university and higher education had the 2.24 times greater risk. Cardiovascular risk screening is important for apparently healthy individuals. The HeartScore program is practical for nurses and other health care professionals in FHCs to estimate individuals' risk of CVD. •Very high and high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk 11.4%, moderate CVD risk 22%, and low CVD risk 66.7% were found in a sample of Turkish population.•Diastolic hypertension increases 7.49 times the cardiovascular risk than normal blood pressure.•Individuals with higher levels of education have a higher cardiovascular risk.•It has been found that the HeartScore program is practicable for estimating cardiovascular risk by nurses and other health professionals.