CORRELATION BETWEEN CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND THE PREVALENCE OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC ABNORMALITIES IN RESIDENTS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE UPPER PANTANAL REGION OF MATO GROSSO: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This article evaluated the cardiovascular risk profile and the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities among residents of rural communities in the Alto Pantanal region. This was an observational, analytical, exploratory, cross-sectional study conducted with 23 individuals over 18 years of age referred by Primary Health Care Units for cardiological assessment. Data were collected through questionnaires, blood pressure measurement, capillary blood glucose testing, bioimpedance analysis, and electrocardiography, with cardiovascular risk stratified using the HEARTS tool. The sample was predominantly female and characterized by low educational level, family income of up to two minimum wages, and long-term residence in rural areas. A high frequency of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking, high-fat eating habits, stress, and fatigue was observed. Among participants classified using HEARTS, 70% had moderate or high cardiovascular risk. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were identified in 39.13% of the sample, mainly repolarization abnormalities. ECG abnormalities were more frequent in the moderate/high-risk group, although without statistical significance. High-fat eating habits and frequent fatigue were significantly associated with electrocardiographic abnormalities. These findings reinforce the importance of cardiovascular screening in vulnerable rural populations.