Background:

The beginning of university studies is usually associated with lifestyle changes, which can predispose to the development of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF).

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVRF in first-year medical students attending Universidad Nacional del Litoral during 2017.

Methods:

We conducted an analytical, cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling of 463 first-year students of the School of Medicine. The following CVRF were considered: body mass index (overweight/obesity), waist circumference (International Diabetes Federation criteria), blood pressure (bordeline blood pressure and hypertension), physical activity (low level), tobacco use (current smoker or history of former smoking), alcohol intake (binge drinking) and diet quality (unhealthy and unhealthy but manageable). The results were expressed as percentages. A hypothesis test was performed to determine a difference in proportions according to sex (α=0.05 and 95% CI.

Results:

A total of 457 students (18-21 years) were evaluated; 68% were women. The prevalence of borderline blood pressure and hypertension was significantly greater in men (28.9%). Overweight was present in 23% of the students and 18% had high waist circumference, without differences between sexes. The prevalence of current smoking or former smoking was present in 17% of the students. Binge drinking was more common in men, while the prevalence of physical inactivity was more frequent in women.

Conclusion:

Most students had at least one CVRF. The high prevalence of men with borderline blood pressure and hypertension and overweight in both sexes is emphasized. Most students have to change the diet quality.

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