Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are classified as diseases of civilization, and constitute a major social problem because they are the main cause of death. For this reason, according to the WHO, more than 17.3 million people die every year in developed countries. In the European Union the number of deaths is over 2 million, and represents 42% of total mortality. The aim of the study was analysis of selected risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients scheduled for surgical revascularization, and an outline of their social profile.
Material and methods: The study was conducted among patients scheduled for surgery in Cardiac Surgery Department SPSK no. 2 in Szczecin. Ninety patients were studied. The research was carried out using proprietary diagnostic surveys and data obtained from medical records.
Results: The selected modifiable risk factors for diseases of the cardiovascular system were evaluated. In the study group 15 patients (17%) were current smokers. Most patients (38, 42%) had not smoked for more than 2 years. 33 patients (37%) suffered from diabetes. More than half (47, 52%) of the respondents did not follow a balanced diet. Most of the patients were obese (37, 41%), including 18 diabetics and 19 non-diabetics. 58 patients (64%) suffered from hypertension.
Conclusion: Diabetes, obesity, and smoking were confirmed as risk factors for coronary heart disease. The educational activity of family doctors should be mainly focused on the prevention of diabetes, stopping smoking, and lifestyle changes in order to prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system, especially among the elderly.