Riesgo cardiovascular de una población ecuatoriana mayor de 40 años mediante la utilización de la calculadora SCORE2, SCORE2-OP y Framingham

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of cardiovascular risk (CVR) is essential for establishing preventive strategies. This study aimed to estimate the 10-year cardiovascular risk using the SCORE2, SCORE2-OP, and Framingham calculators in patients over 40 years of age with no history of cardiovascular disease who attended outpatient consultations at the General Hospital of Latacunga in August 2024. An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted based on the review of electronic medical records. Relevant clinical data such as age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes diagnosis, smoking status, body mass index, and family history were collected and analyzed using the three risk calculators, ensuring anonymity and confidentiality of the information at all times. In the results analysis, descriptive statistics (means, medians, standard deviations, and percentages) were used to characterize the sample; the Wilcoxon rank sum test was applied to compare continuous variables (such as total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) between men and women; Pearson’s Chi-squared test was used to analyze differences in categorical variables (such as smoking, diabetes, diet, and hypertension); and Cox regression survival analysis was performed to assess the multivariate association of age, blood pressure, and lipid profile with the probability of cardiovascular events over time. The results showed a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking. Significant differences were observed between sexes, where women had higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL, while men showed lower HDL and higher triglycerides. The average 10-year CVR was 9.3% according to SCORE2, 14.4% according to SCORE2-OP, and 15.6% with Framingham. The multivariate analysis identified a significant association between older age, elevated cholesterol, and hypertension with a higher probability of cardiovascular events. In conclusion, a high-risk profile was identified in the studied population, especially in postmenopausal women and middle-aged male smokers.