Risk factors, renal and cardiovascular injury assessment in Medicine students
Abstract
Introduction: The early detection of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) and renal damage markers is crucial to modify the evolution of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of CRF and renal disease in a young population. To raise medical students awareness on the importance of early cardiovascular and renal disease diagnosis, and to provide them with adequate tools for the evaluation and identification of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: 246 medical students from the University of Buenos Aires volunteered to participate in this study. They completed a survey and had their arterial pressure, height and weight measured, and BMI calculated. Total cholesterol, glucose and creatinine serum levels were determined. Multistix strips were used for chemical urine testing. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by using MDRD and Cockcroft-Gault formulas. Results: Student mean age was 25.4 ± 3.2 years; 69% women. The most prevalent risk factors were sedentary habits (33%), smoking (25%) and overweight/obesity (24.7%). Borderline, stages 1 and 2 hypertension (JNC 7 report) were found in 10.6%. Proteinuria and microalbuminuria were present in 4.8% and 2.9%, respectively. All students presented estimated GFR levels higher than 60 ml/m/1.73m². Conclusions: Considering the mean age of the studied population the percentage of individuals with CRF was higher than expected. The relative frequency of renal damage markers was lower than that of the general population (< 7%). The study provided advanced medical students with practical training in the planning, execution and analysis of a renal and cardiovascular disease detection program.
How to cite this article:
Marini A, Bacqué MC, De los Santos R, Dorado E, Wikinski R, Robaina J, Pandolfo G, Ferder M, De la Llave G, Inserra F. [Risk factors, renal and cardiovascular injury assessment in Medicine students]. Rev Nefrol Dial Traspl. 2009;29(3):153-61.
