CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSESSMENT IN A WORK CONTEXT

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Portugal and a major contributor to morbidity and disability. With an aging population and increased survival following initial cardiovascular events, the burden of disability-adjusted life years is expected to grow, posing a significant challenge for health systems (Ferreira & Macedo, 2017). In this context, the European Society of Cardiology recommends early detection of cardiovascular risk (CVR) in healthy individuals, focusing on modifying risk factors that can be addressed through intervention (Visseren et al., 2022). The SCORE model and its derivatives (SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP) (Conroy et al., 2003; DGS, 2015; Hageman et al., 2021; Vries et al., 2021) are valuable tools for assessing individual CVR. These models not only identify heart age and motivate individuals to reduce CVR but also help determine the intensity of intervention needed for effective risk factor control and allow assessment of intervention benefits (DGS, 2014). Since 2016, the project “Coimbra United by the Heart,” led by the Centro Delegation of the Portuguese Cardiology Foundation, in partnership with the Coimbra Local Health Unit, Coimbra Nursing School, Coimbra Health Technologies School, Coimbra City Council, and other community partners, has developed a community health network that: 1) identifies cardiovascular risk in Coimbra citizens early; 2) promotes awareness initiatives for a healthy lifestyle; 3) enhances health monitoring for individuals with CVR; and 4) improves access to health care for health status surveillance. As part of this project, in June 2023, an assessment of the CVR of Coimbra City Council (CMC) employees was conducted to plan an intervention project aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease according to the specific needs of CMC staff. This descriptive correlational study aims to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of CMC employees and outline strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention.