Check-up and cardiovascular risk progression: is there a room for innovation?

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the impact of traditional check-up appointment on the progression of the cardiovascular risk throughout time.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 11,126 medical records of asymptomatic executives who were evaluated between January, 2005 and October, 2008. Variables included participants’ demographics characteristics, smoking habit, history of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dyslipidemia, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, glucose, c-reactive protein, waist circumference, hepatic steatosis, Framingham score, metabolic syndrome, level of physical activity, stress, alcohol consumption, and body mass index.Results:A total of 3,150 patients was included in the final analysis. A worsening was observed in all risk factors, excepting in smoking habit, incidence of myocardial infarction or stroke and in the number of individuals classified as medium or high risk for cardiovascular events. In addition, a decrease in stress level and alcohol consumption was also seen.Conclusion:The adoption of consistent health policies by companies is imperative in order to reduce the risk factors and the future costs associated with illness and absenteeism.

Association between clinical factors and self‐underestimation of cardiovascular risk in subjects submitted to a routine health evaluation

“…In our study, it is possible that the wellness promoted by physical exercise affected the perception of risk. In another retrospective cohort study that included 3150 participants and evaluated the impact of traditional checkup appointments on the progression of CV risk over time, most CV risk factors worsened over time, meaning that the clinical evaluation, all medical education, and all pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions had little effect on patient behavior . Extrapolating these findings to our study, it might be possible that the use of medications also had minimal effect on individuals' perception of risk.…”

Low Subjective Cardiovascular Disease Risk Perceptions among Hypertensive Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“… 84 Specifically, the Brazil study showed poorer serum lipid levels and no significant mean BP changes. 84 Regular risk assessments that integrate patient education and self-management strategies are essential to reduce the potential adverse CVD outcomes among hypertensive patients. In the present study, the finding of significant relationships between participants’ underestimation and overestimation of subjective risk perceptions with HTN duration and frequency of physician visits was a counterintuitive finding, which may be encountered due to prevalent poor CVD risk perceptions.…”

“…A retrospective, large cohort study (n = 3150) of adults in Brazil followed for two years to examine the progression of CVD risk using the FRS showed those classified as moderate to high risk at year one follow-up showed a 31% increase in CVD risk at year two. 84 In addition, 66% of those who were classified as high CVD risk in the first assessment did not exhibit improved risk status at year two follow-up. 84 Specifically, the Brazil study showed poorer serum lipid levels and no significant mean BP changes.…”

“… 84 In addition, 66% of those who were classified as high CVD risk in the first assessment did not exhibit improved risk status at year two follow-up. 84 Specifically, the Brazil study showed poorer serum lipid levels and no significant mean BP changes. 84 Regular risk assessments that integrate patient education and self-management strategies are essential to reduce the potential adverse CVD outcomes among hypertensive patients.…”