Medwave · Oct 6, 2026

The cardiovascular profile of the adult and elderly population in coastal areas of Biobío in 2024

By Flores DNR, Farías MAL

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and in Chile, where they account for 23.1% of all deaths. The way to reduce this figure is by assessing the population's cardiovascular health profile, since 70% of cardiovascular diseases are attributable to modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia, among others. OBJECTIVES: To assess the cardiovascular health profile of adults and older people in coastal areas of the Biobío region in 2024. METHODS: The project is research in the field of public health, with a quantitative approach, a descriptive scope, and a cross-sectional design. It will be conducted among residents of Lenga and Punta Lavapie. 3 data collection instruments are used to determine omega 3 intake and the prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty, in addition to equipment for anthropometry, bioimpedance, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure, biochemical tests, and a food frequency questionnaire. MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity is 48.3%, 6.9%, 24.1%, 61.4%, respectively, while the prevalence of sarcopenia, physical inactivity, and smoking is 3.6%, 89.7%, and 17.2%, respectively; in addition, the prevalence of abnormal blood glucose, cholesterol, and creatinine levels was 53.2%, 17.4%, and 9.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will provide valuable information for the development of prevention and health promotion strategies tailored to the specific needs of the coastal communities of Biobío. It also seeks to contribute to scientific knowledge about cardiovascular health in specific geographical contexts, encouraging public policies that improve the quality of life of adults and older people in the region.

doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2026.s2.prosal26Open accessPopulations