Cardiovascular disease health risk appraisal in king abdulaziz university, Jeddah

ABSTRACT

A Health Risk Appraisal program was used in King Abdulaziz University to assess the health status of university staff and employees. The program was accepted by all the participants and was a first step in detecting the cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors aiming to modify the negative attitude and practice. Unfavorable habits were reported by the participants: 24.0% were current smokers, 50.0% were overweight, and 65.0% consumed a high-fat diet. Moreover, hypertension accounted for 22.0% and diabetes for 9.0%. The men practiced these unfavorable habits more than the women. Hypercholesterol aemia accounted for 9.0% and was significantly related to old age [40 years and over] and smoking habits. The 5-year risk of CVD predicts that 24.0% of men and 9.0% of women are at highest risk to develop CVD in the coming half decade. Health strategies are recommended to decrease the risk of CVD and improve the quality of life