CORONARY RISK FACTORS IN STUDENTS ON THE BIOMEDICINE COURSE AT A PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

Abstract

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a pathological process responsible for the accumulation of  atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart: the  coronary arteries. The risk factors present in the lives of individuals lead to an increased  incidence of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). There are modifiable factors such as  Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Hypertension (SAH), sedentary lifestyle, dyslipidemia, obesity, and  smoking, while there are non-modifiable factors such as heredity, sex, and advanced age. This  research aimed to identify and classify the coronary risk among students in the Biomedicine  course of a private Higher Education Institution in the city of Uberlândia - MG. This was  empirical research applied in the field, with a descriptive objective, quantitative approach and  cross-sectional design. The Michigan Heart Association test was used for data collection, which  is a practical instrument of prevention that establishes values that make it possible to direct care  plans for patients with cardiovascular diseases. A significant difference between genders in  terms of coronary risk was identified, with females showing a lower risk compared to males.  Furthermore, there was no correlation between age and coronary risk in either gender. It is  concluded that the evaluated academics were categorized as "no risk" for developing coronary  heart disease according to the Michigan Heart Association RISKO questionnaire. Moreover, it  was observed that females have a lower coronary risk compared to males.