PREVALENCE OF RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN INDIVIDUALS WORKING IN A STEEL COMPANY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in male workers of a steel company. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we carried out clinical and laboratory testing with 776 male employees of a large steel company in the city of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil, from January to December 2012. The percentage of occurrence of the risk factors and the mean and standard deviation of the biochemical variables, blood pressure and body mass index were calculated. Results: The prevalence of risk factors was found to be as follows: absence of exercise (43%), LDL> 130 mg/dl (46%), overweight (44%), obesity (20%), blood pressure changed (33%), smoking (10%), altered glucose (4%). About half of the workers were older than 45 years and 66% had a family history of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: The high prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in workers in the steel industry, especially high cholesterol and physical inactivity, alert to the need for adoption of health promotion and disease prevention programs in the workplace. DESCRIPTORS Cardiovascular Diseases. Risk Factors. Working Environment.