Historia natural del cierre percutáneo de foramen oval permeable / Natural history of patent foramen ovales closure

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cierre percutáneo del foramen oval permeable (FOP) se ha posicionado como el tratamiento de elección para la prevención secundaria de pacientes con infartos encefálicos (IE) criptogénicos asociados a FOP. OBJETIVO: Revisar los cierres de FOP realizados en nuestra institución, evaluando las características clínicas y del procedimiento, los resultados a mediano plazo luego del procedimiento y la tendencia en el número de intervenciones durante el período estudiado. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 101 pacientes consecutivos en que se realizó cierre de FOP, con una mediana de seguimiento de 4,6 años. Se analizaron las características basales de los pacientes, la indicación del cierre de FOP, el éxito del procedimiento y la presencia de shunt residual en ecocardiografía al año. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica estructurada a todos los pacientes, en la cual se preguntó por nuevo IE o crisis isquémica transitoria (CIT), otros eventos cardiovasculares y la presencia de sangrados. El seguimiento fue completado en el 95%. Se calculó el puntaje RoPE ("Risk of Paradoxical Embolism") el cual provee una estimación de la posibilidad de que ese IE se haya debido al FOP y del riesgo de repetir un nuevo IE en caso de no cerrar el FOP para cada paciente. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio fue de 49,1±13,7 años, con 53% mujeres. Sólo en 3 pacientes se diagnosticó una trombofilia. En 96 pacientes la indicación fue para prevención de embolía paradojal e IE (74% IE, 17% CIT y 4% embolía periférica), mientras que en 5% por síndrome de ortodeoxia/platipnea. El cierre de FOP fue exitoso en todos los pacientes. Shunt residual en ecocardiograma al año se observó en 5% - ninguno de estos pacientes presentó un nuevo evento encefálico durante el seguimiento. Se registraron 2 nuevos IE (4 IE por 1000 pacientes/año) y 1 nueva CIT (2 CIT por 1000 pacientes/año) en el seguimiento, con un promedio de presentación de 3,6 años post procedimiento. Esta tasa de eventos fue significativamente menor a lo predicho por el puntaje RoPE en nuestra cohorte. Se observó un marcado aumento en el número de procedimientos desde el año 2017 en adelante. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra cohorte, el cierre de FOP fue un procedimiento exitoso y seguro. Se asoció a una baja tasa de nuevos eventos cerebrales, marcadamente menor a lo estimado por el puntaje de riesgo actualmente disponible (RoPE).

INTRODUCTION: The percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been established as the preferred treatment for those with an ischemic stroke (IS) and associated PFO. AIMS: To review the PFO closure experience at our institution, characterizing the patients and procedures, mid-term results and the trend in the number of interventions during the study period. METHODS: One hundred and one consecutive patients undergoing PFO closure were included, with a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Baseline demographics, PFO closure indications, procedural success rates and residual shunt at 1-year were recorded. A telephonic survey was performed to complete follow-up, asking for new IS or transient ischemic attacks (TIA), other cardiovascular events and bleeding. Follow-up was completed by 95%. The RoPE score was calculated for each patient, providing an estimate of the chance a given IS being due to a PFO and the risk of a new event when the defect is not closed. RESULTS: Mean age was 49.1±13.7 years and 53% were females. Whereas the indication for PFO closure was paradoxical embolism in 96 patients (74% IS, 17% TIA and 4% peripheral embolism), in 5 it was for platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. All patients had a successful PFO closure procedure. Residual shunt at 1 year was found in 5% - yet, none of these patients experienced a new stroke during the study period. During follow-up there were 2 new IS (4 IS per 1,000 patients/year) and 1 new TIA (2 TIA per 1,000 patients/year), with a mean incidence time of 3.6 years after the procedure. This rate of new events was significantly lower than the one predicted by the RoPE score. From 2017 onwards, there was a marked increase in the number of procedures performed at our institution. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, PFO closure was a successful and safe procedure. It was associated to a low rate of new cerebral events during mid-term follow-up, markedly lower than the RoPE predicted rate.

Conocimiento sobre enfermedad coronaria en familiares de pacientes con evento cardiovascular / Knowledge about coronary disease in relatives of patients with cardiovascular event

Objetivo: describir los conocimientos que refieren los familiares de sujetos con enfermedad cardiovascular, previo a la asistencia a un taller educativo. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo en 103 familiares de pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular, que participaron en talleres educativos relacionados con enfermedad coronaria entre marzo y agosto de 2013. Los talleres eran los siguientes: 1. La enfermedad coronaria; 2. Ejercicio en enfermedad cardiovascular; 3. Adherencia a medicamentos y 4. Factores psicosociales y enfermedad cardiovascular. Se compararon diferencias entre proporción de sujetos con conocimiento informal y formal en cada taller. Resultados:103 familiares participaron en los talleres (80% mujeres; edad promedio 49± 1.55años). El 39% refiere no tener ningún conocimiento respecto al tema a tratar. El 28% sí tiene conocimientos sobre el tema y la obtiene de fuentes informales como internet, diarios o revistas. Existió una proporción significativamente mayor de sujetos con conocimiento informal sobre ejercicio y adherencia a medicamentos. Conclusiones: estos resultados muestran que: hay poco conocimiento formal de enfermedad cardiovascular y del manejo de sus factores de riesgo, y alto nivel de apoyo del sexo femenino. La necesidad de educar, reforzar y aclarar el conocimiento para mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento y la prevención de nuevos eventos cardiovasculares, es un trabajo importante de enfermería, que debe desarrollarse prestando especial atención al entorno familiar del paciente..(AU)

Objective: to describe the knowledge referred by relatives of subjects with cardiovascular disease prior to attending an educational workshop. Materials and methods:descriptive study in 103 relatives of patients with cardiovascular disease, who participated in educational workshops related to coronary disease between March and August 2013. The workshops were the following: 1. Coronary disease; 2. Exercise in cardiovascular disease; 3. Adherence to medications and 4. Psychosocial factors and cardiovascular disease. Differences were compared between proportion of subjects with informal and formal knowledge in each workshop. Results: 103 relatives participated in the workshop (80% women, average age 49 ± 1.55 years). 39% report having no knowledge about the subject to be treated. 28% do have knowledge about the subject and get it from informal sources such as the internet, newspapers or magazines. There was a significantly higher proportion of subjects with informal knowledge about exercise and medication adherence. Conclusions: these results show that: there is little formal knowledge of cardiovascular disease and the management of its risk factors, and high level of support of the female sex. The need to educate, reinforce and clarify knowledge to improve adherence to treatment and the prevention of new cardiovascular events, is an important work of nursing, which should be developed paying special attention to the patient's family environment..(AU)

La ingesta de "once", en reemplazo de la cena, se asocia al riesgo de presentar síndrome metabólico / Five o'clock tea and the risk of metabolic syndrome

Background: Seventy four percent of Chileans replaced the traditional dinner for the consumption of "five o'clock tea" (5CT), a mealtime that includes bread and is simliar to western breakfast. The latter favors the intake of unhealthy foods. Aim: To study whether the consumption of "5CT", instead of dinner, could be a risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). Material and Methods: Anthropometric parameters, mean blood pressure, lipid profile, thyroid stimulating hormone and fasting glucose were measured in 489 subjects aged 39 ± 12 years (33% women) who attended a primary cardiovascular prevention (CV) program. A 24-hour recall and usual meal times were registered during a dietary interview. To determine the association between the consumption of "5CT" or dinner and the probability of presenting two or more components of MetSyn, we built an odds proportional model adjusted by age and sex. In addition, severity for MetSyn was calculated. Results: Nineteen percent of participants had MetSyn and 39%, two or more MetSyn components. Those who consumed "5CT" instead of dinner, had 54% more probability of having 2 or more MetSyn components (Odds ratio = 1.54, confidence intervals 1.032.32, p = 0.04). Participants who included processed carbohydrates in their last meal had a higher probability of having components of MetSyn. This probability decreased among participants who ate dinner with a low proportion of refined carbohydrates. Conclusions: Subjects who eat "5CT", instead of dinner as the last meal, have a higher cardiometabolic risk and MetSyn severity.

Uso de terapia antiagregante dual luego de angioplastía coronaria: duración, frecuencia de sangramientos y validación de scores de riesgo de hemorragia en una cohorte chilena / Dual anti platelet therapy post PTCA: duration, bleeding risk and validation of scores for predicting risk of bleeding in a Chilean population

Resumen: Introducción: La terapia antiagregante dual (TAD) con aspirina más clopidogrel o ticagrelor es fundamental para prevenir trombosis de stent y nuevos eventos cardiovasculares (CV) en pacientes sometidos a angioplastía coronaria (AC). Sin embargo, TAD se asocia a un riesgo aumentado de hemorragias, en particular cuando su uso se prolonga. Recientemente se han creado puntajes (DAPT, PRECISE-DAPT) que buscan estimar el riesgo de sangrado en pacientes con TAD por tiempo prolongado, los que quisimos evaluar en nuestra población. Métodos: Se utilizó la base de datos prospectiva de Prevención Cardiovascular del Hospital Clínico U. Católica, seleccionando pacientes sometidos a AC el año 2015. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica estandarizada para identificar episodios de sangrado definidos según clasificación ISTH, tiempo de uso de TAD y nuevos eventos CV. Se calcularon los puntajes DAPT y PRECISE-DAPT. Se usó pruebas de t de Student, test exacto de Fisher y curva ROC, según correspondiese, considerando significativa una p<0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 227 pacientes (edad 64,2±12,3 años, 22,5% mujeres), de los cuales el 69,6% eran hipertensos, 28,6% diabéticos, 26,9% fumadores y 5,3% insuficientes renales crónicos. En el 63% de los pacientes la AC fue por síndrome coronario agudo, se implantaron 1,4±0,7 stents/paciente y el 37% de los pacientes recibió sólo stents metálicos. Al momento de la encuesta, el seguimiento fue de 26±3 meses. Se registró un tiempo promedio de duración de TAD de 12,6±7,4 meses, con 99,1% de los pacientes recibiendo aspirina, 93,4% clopidogrel, 6,6% ticagrelor y 9,3% anticoagulantes orales. Hubo 35 (15,4%) nuevos eventos CV (revascularización 14, infarto 12, accidente cerebrovascular 2 y muerte 7) y 31 (13,6%) episodios de sangrados (criterio ISTH). De acuerdo con el criterio TIMI de sangrado se registraron 5 (2,2%) episodios graves, 9 (3,9%) leves y 17 (7,4%) menores. En 10 (4,4%) pacientes se modificó la TAD debido al sangrado. PRECISE-DAPT se asoció de manera significativa a los episodios de sangrado (p<0,01); tener un puntaje de alto riesgo (>25) aumentó más de 3 veces el riesgo de sangrado (OR 3,1 IC 1,4-7,1, p<0,01) y una curva ROC estableció que en la población estudiada el mejor punto de corte fue de 18 puntos (C-statistic 0,69) (Figuras 1A y B). El uso de TACO aumentó el riesgo (OR 3,4 IC 1,2-9,5, p=0,02). Si bien miden distintos parámetros, los puntajes de riesgo DAPT y PRECISE-DAPT se correlacionaron significativamente en nuestra cohorte (p<0,01). Conclusiones: En esta cohorte de la vida real se demuestra que la ocurrencia de sangramientos es un evento frecuente en pacientes con TAD, similar a la tasa de nuevos eventos CV, y por tanto debe ser un factor relevante a considerar al momento de la AC y la selección de la TAD. El puntaje PRECISE-DAPT es una herramienta útil para predecir sangrados, aunque nuestros resultados sugieren que en población chilena los valores de corte pueden ser algo menores que lo previamente publicado .

Abstracts: Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) with aspirin plus clopidogrel or ticagrelor is essential for the prevention of stent thrombosis and new cardiovascular events in patients undergoing PCI. However, DAT is associated with an increased risk of bleeding, more so when it is used for prolonged time periods. Scores (DAPT, PRECISE-DAPT) developed to predict bleeding risk were evaluated in this study. Method: The prospective Cardiovascular Prevention database at Catholic University Hospital was used to select patients who underwent PCI followed by DAT during 2015. By phone contact information on bleeding episodes - according to the ISTH classification -, new cardiovascular events and DAT duration were collected. DAPT and PRECISE- DAPT scores were calculated. Student's t test, Fisher exact test and ROC analysis were used. Significance was established at p< 0.05. Results: 277 patients were included (age 64.2±12.3 y-o, 22.5% women). Hypertension was present in 66.9%, diabetes in 28.6%, smoking habit in 26.9% and renal failure in 5.3%. The indication for PCI was acute coronary syndrome in 63%, 1.4±0.7 stents per patient were implanted and 37% of patients received bare metal stents exclusively. Follow-up extended for 26±3 months. DAT was active for 12.6±7.4 months and 9.3% of patients received oral anticoagulant therapy. There were 35 (15.4%) new cardiovascular events (14 revascularizations, 12 myocardial infarctions, 2 CVA and 7 deaths). Conversely, there were 31 (13.6%) bleeding episodes. According to the TIMI classification, bleeding episodes were severe in 2.2%, mild in 3.9% and minor in 7.4%. In 4% of patients DAT was modified due to bleeding. PRECISE-DAPT score was significantly associated to bleeding episodes (p<0.01). A high score (>25) was associated with a 3-fold risk of bleeding (OR 3.1, CI 1.4-7.1 (p<0.01). Through ROC analysis the best PRECISE-DAPT cutting point in this cohort was 18 (C=0.69). The use of oral anticoagulation increased bleeding risk (OR 3.4 CI 1.2 - 9.5, p=0.02). DAPT and PRECISE-DAPT were significantly correlated (p<0.01). Conclusion: Bleeding is a frequent complication of DAT, similar to the risk of new cardiovascular events. PRECISE-DAPT score is useful to estimate the risk of bleeding, although this study suggests that in the studied population the cutting point may be somewhat lower than previously published.

Cintura e índice de masa corporal: los mejores predictores antropométricos en la reducción y progresión de la agregación de factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos / Waist and body mass index: The best anthropometric predictors in the reduction and progression of the aggregation of cardiometabolic risk factor

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el impacto de la variación de distintas mediciones antropométricas en la evolución del síndrome metabólico (SM). El estudio fue prospectivo en 178 sujetos que asistieron a un programa de salud cardiovascular entre el año 2013 y 2016. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, historia médica, factores de riesgo cardiovascular, y se midió perfil lipídico, glicemia de ayuno, presión arterial y medidas antropométricas (IMC, perímetro de cintura y cadera y % de grasa corporal). Se consideró la agregación de 2 o más componentes de síndrome metabólico (SM), excluyendo cintura y se determinó la probabilidad de reversión del SM, considerándose como la reducción desde 2 o más componentes a 1 o ninguno. El tiempo de seguimiento promedio fue de 2 años. La edad promedio fue de 40 años y 37% eran mujeres. Según los modelos de odds proporcionales, ajustados por edad, sexo y tiempo de seguimiento, aquellos sujetos con 2 o más componentes de SM triplicaron su probabilidad de revertir el SM por cada reducción de 1 Kg/m2 de IMC por año (OR IMC = 3,03; 1,74-5,28; p<0,001). En el caso de cintura, esta probabilidad aumentó en 52% por la reducción de 1 cm por año (ORcintura =1,52; 1,28-1,81; p<0,001). Finalmente una reducción de 0,01 en el índice cintura/cadera aumentó en 26% la probabilidad de revertir el SM (ORcintura/cadera =1,26; 1,06-1,491; p<0,01); sin embargo, el % de grasa corporal no tuvo un efecto significativo Los cambios en IMC y circunferencia de cintura serían los parámetros antropométricos más confiables para monitorear la evolución del SM(AU)

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of variation of different anthropometric parameters at follow-up in the evolution of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Prospective study in 178 subjects who attended a cardiovascular health program between 2013 and 2016. Demographical data, medical history and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (RFs) were collected. In addition, fasting lipid profile, blood glucose, blood pressure and anthropometrical parameters (BMI, WC, hip, and fat percentage) were measured. To determine the evolution of MetS, the clustering of 2 or more of the MetS components were considered, excluding WC. Odds proportional models adjusted by age, sex and time of follow-up were built to determine the probability of reverting the MetS. MetS reversion was considered as the reduction to 1 or 0 components in subjects with 2 or more. Mean follow-up time was 2 years. Mean age was 40 years old and 37% were women. According to the odds proportional models, subjects tripled their chance of reverting MetS for each 1 kg/m2 of BMI reduction (ORBMI=3.03; 1.74-5.28; p<0.001). For WC, the chance of reverting MetS increased 52% for each reduction of 1 cm of waist (ORwaist =1.52; 1.28-1.81; p<0.001). A reduction of 0.01 in the waist to hip ratio increased in 26% the chance of reverting MetS (ORwaist/hip=1.26; 1.06-1.491; p<0.01); however, fat percentage did not have a significant effect on the evolution of the MetS. BMI and WC are the most reliable anthropometrical parameters for monitoring the evolution of MetS aggregation in the out-patient clinical setting(AU)

Superioridad del nuevo puntaje de riesgo ACC/AHA 2013 por sobre el puntaje de Framingham, en la predicción de riesgo de mortalidad cardiovascular en Santiago / Evaluation the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Predictive score for cardiovascular diseases

Background: Recently, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) proposed a new cardiovascular risk (CV) score. Aim: To evaluate the new risk score (ACC/AHA 2013) in a Chilean population. Material and Methods: Between 2002 and 2014, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting blood glucose levels were measured and a survey about CV risk factors was responded by 3,284 subjects aged 40 to 79 years (38% females), living in urban Santiago. ACC/AHA 2013, FRAM and Chilean FRAM scores were calculated. All-cause mortality was determined in July 2014 by consulting the Death Registry of the Chilean Identification Service, with an average follow up of 7 ± 3 years. Results: The prevalence of risk factors were 78% for dyslipidemia, 37% for hypertension, 20% for smoking, 7% for diabetes, 20% for obesity and 54% for physical inactivity. The mean FRAM, Chilean FRAM and ACC/AHA scores were 8, 3 and 9%, respectively. During follow-up, 94 participants died and 34 deaths were of cardiovascular cause. Participants who died had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.01) and diabetes (p < 0. 01) and tended to be older (p = 0.06). The FRAM score for 10 years for deceased and surviving patients was 12 and 8%, respectively (p = NS). The figures for the Chilean FRAM were 5 and 2%, respectively (p = 0.09). The figures for the ACC/AHA 2013 score were 33 and 9%, respectively (p = 0.04). According to receiver operating characteristic curves, ACC/AHA 2013 had a higher area under de curve for CV mortality than FRAM and Chilean FRAM. Conclusions: The new ACC/AHA 2013 score, is better than traditional FRAM and Chilean FRAM scores in predicting cardiovascular mortality in a low risk population.

Impacto de un programa de rehabilitación cardiovascular fase II sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes / Quality of life: impact of a phase II cardiovascular rehabilitation program

Antecedentes: La rehabilitación cardiovascular (RCV) ha demostrado mejorar la capacidad física (CF) y la calidad de vida. La relación de estos aspectos ha sido escasamente reportada en Chile. Objetivos: 1) Determinar el impacto de la RCV fase II sobre la calidad de vida, medida por la encuesta SF36 y, 2) determinar qué factores, relacionados con el paciente, pueden incidir en esta relación. Método: Estudio prospectivo en sujetos que completaron 36 sesiones de un programa de RCV y Prevención Secundaria (PREV2). Se registraron al ingreso y final de la RCV: antecedentes médicos, factores de riesgo cardiovascular (CV), parámetros antropométricos, previsión de salud, CF (determinada por los metros caminados en test de marcha de 6 minutos-TM6) y puntaje en la encuesta SF36. Resultados: 277 sujetos (78% hombres, edad 59 años). Hubo una mejoría significativa en: a) los metros caminados (diferencia final/inicial= 56 metros, p<0.0001), b) puntaje de salud física (68 vs 79; p<0.0001), c) salud emocional (68 vs 78, p<0.0001) del SF36. Los hombres caminaron más metros promedio (p<0.0001). Hubo una asociación significativa entre los deltas del TM6 final-inicial y SF36 final-inicial, sólo para salud física (p<0.01). Por un aumento de 10 metros caminados en el TM6 final se incrementa el puntaje de la SF36 para salud física (Hombres: 0.38/ Mujeres: 1.52). La mejoría en la salud emocional sólo se asoció significativamente con los cambios en la salud física (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Los pacientes que asisten a un programa de RCV mejoran significativamente su capacidad aeróbica, y su percepción de salud física y emocional.

Background: Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR) has been shown to improve functional capacity (FC) and quality of life. The relation between these aspects has been scarcely reported in Chile. Objectives: 1) To determine the impact of the CVR phase II program on quality of life as measured by the SF36 survey and 2) to determine which patient related factors can influence this relationship. Method: Prospective study in subjects who completed 36 sessions of an RCV and Secondary Prevention program (PREV2). Medical records, cardiovascular risk factors (CV), anthropometric parameters, health forecast, functional capacity (FC) (determined by meters walked on 6-minute Walking test-TM6) and SF36 scores were recorded at the beginning and end of the CVR. Results: Data on 277 subjects (78% men, age 59 years) was analyzed. There was a significant improvement in: a) walking meters (final / initial difference = 56 meters, p <0.0001), b) physical health score (68 vs 79, p <0.0001), c) emotional health (68 vs 78, p <0.0001) of the SF36. The men walked more meters (p <0.0001). There was a significant association between delta TM6 final-initial and SF36 final-initial only for physical health (p <0.01). For an increase of 10 meters walked in the final TM6, SF36 score for physical health increased 0.38 points in men ad 1.52 in women. Improvement in emotional health was significantly associated only with changes in physical health (p <0.0001). Conclusion: Patients attending a phase II cardiovascular rehabilitation program significantly improve their aerobic capacity, and their perception of physical and emotional health.

Niveles de fosfolipasa A2 asociada a lipoproteína en sujetos sin enfermedad coronaria con riesgo cardiovascular variable / Association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase activity A2 with cardiovascular risk factors

Background:Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an inflammatory biomarker involved in atherosclerosis and directly associated with cardiovascular events. Aim: To determine Lp-PLA2 levels in asymptomatic subjects with differing cardiovascular risk. Material and Methods: We studied 152 subjects aged 46 ± 11 years (69 women). We recorded traditional cardiovascular risk factors, creatinine, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, fasting lipids, blood sugar and activity levels of Lp-PLA2. Cardiovascular risk was classified according to the number of risk factors of each subject (0,1-2 or ≥ 3 risk factors). Besides, we calculated global Framingham risk score. Results: The average Framingham score of participants was 6%. Twenty percent of participants had no risk factors, 46% had 1 or 2 and 34% had ≥ 3. Mean Lp-PLA2 levels were 185 ± 48 nmol/ml/min (201 ± 49 in men and 166 ± 38 in women). Lp-PLA2 correlated significantly (p < 0,05 for all) with non-HDL cholesterol, LDL, HDL, creatinine, waist circumference, body mass index and Framingham risk score. There was no correlation with blood sugar, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen or smoking status. Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly higher according to the number of risk factors: 0 factors: 163 ± 43, 1-2 factors: 185 ± 45 and ≥ 3 factors: 201 ± 47 nmol/ml/min, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that the best predictor of Lp-PLA2 was non-HDL cholesterol (β= 0,74; p < 0,0001). Conclusions: Lp-PLA2 activity increased along with the number of cardiovascular risk factors and was correlated mainly with non -HDL cholesterol.

Agregación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y conciencia de enfermedad en trabajadores de un hospital universitario / Cardiovascular risk factors in a group of health care workers

Background: Health promotion can be carried out at work places. Aim: To assess cardiovascular risk factors among workers of a University hospital. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study of 888 participants (aged 41 ± 11 years, 76% women), who answered a survey about cardiovascular risk factors. Body mass index, waist, blood pressure and total cholesterol (TC) by capillary method were determined. Results: Self reported prevalence of risk factors were as follows: 19% of participants had high blood pressure, 30% hypercholesterolemia, 6% diabetes, 41% smoked, 88% were sedentary and 26% had a family history of cardiovascular diseases. Five percent of participants did not have any risk factor, 20% had one risk factor, 32% had two and 43% had three or more. The highest frequency of lack of awareness was about blood glucose values. A high blood cholesterol level was found in 27% of those reporting normal cholesterol levels. Likewise, a high body mass index was found in 18% of those reporting a normal weight. Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this group of participants is similar to that found in the last national health survey in Chile. Noteworthy is the lack of awareness about these risk factors.