Objective: This investigation aims to determine cardiovascular disease risk profile in a cohort of employees.
Methods: In 704 participants, within the Special Institute for Preventive Cardiology And Nutrition health-check-program, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), lipids, glucose, and 10-year cardiovascular disease risk were assessed.
Results: Mean age was 37 (10) years (20% women) with 25.5 (3.9) kg/m. A total of 38% demonstrated overweight, 44% abdominal obesity, 12% obesity, and 19% metabolic syndrome. We found a significant difference in increased BP versus diagnosed hypertension (47% vs. 14%; P < 0.001). Increasing age was a significant predictor of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.08 [1.06 to 1.10]; P < 0.001). Ten percent had intermediate and 8% high cardiovascular disease risk. A total of 79% demonstrated at least one risk factor.
Conclusions: We detected high prevalence of risk factors particularly increased BP and abdominal obesity. Workplace prevention programs should aim in initially identifying risk factors and subsequently improving lifestyle.