The Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases and Obesity

More people die from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than from any other cause. Over three quarters of heart disease and stroke related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries(WHO 2020). Obesity has emerged as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Aim is to verify the rela-tionship between obesity and cardiovascular dis-eases through the analysis of blood biochemical indicators (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia), as well as to highlight the role of nurs-ing care in primary health care.

This cross-sectional study included 199 patients’ charts followed at Primary Health Care Center No. 4 in the city of Vlora. Data were analyzed ac-cording to age, sex, weight, height, smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as blood analysis in-dicators (glycemia, hypertension, and triglycerides). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Absolute and relative frequencies (%) were used for qualitative variables, while means and standard deviations were calcu-lated for quantitative variables.

Keywords: Obesity, glycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, cardiovascular disease risk, nursing primary health care.

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, accounting for approximately 32% of all deaths. Over three-quarters of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Obesity has emerged as a critical modifiable risk factor, characterized by excessive body fat accumulation that leads to metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. These conditions directly contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. While international evidence links obesity to biochemical markers like elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia, data specifically focused on primary health care populations in Southeast Europe remains limited. This study aims to verify these relationships at a local level in Vlora, Albania, while highlighting the pivotal role of nursing staff in conducting systematic risk assessments and delivering evidence-based lifestyle education.

Methods

This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. The researchers analyzed 199 patient charts from the Primary Health Care Center No. 4 in Vlora, Albania, during 2024. Data points included age, sex, weight, height (to calculate BMI), smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, blood biochemical indicators- including glycemia, total cholesterol, and triglycerides- were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, employing absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables and means/standard deviations for quantitative data. Group differences were evaluated using the chi-square test, and the association between obesity (based on BMI) and blood indicators was assessed via logistic regression analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Health and the Vlora Health Operator.

Results

The mean age of participants was 53.7 years, with 13.1% classified as obese and 37.7% as overweight. Significant gender differences were found in lifestyle risks: 75% of men were smokers (vs. 34% of women) and 40% of men consumed alcohol (vs. 1% of women). The study confirmed a strong statistical association between obesity and elevated biochemical markers. Specifically, obese patients demonstrated a 266-fold higher probability of having pathological triglyceride levels compared to those with normal weight. Furthermore, the probability of being diabetic was approximately 20 times higher in obese patients. In the obese group, 92% had high triglycerides and 99% had high cholesterol levels. Age was also a factor, as patients over 60 years exhibited the highest mean levels of triglycerides and glycemia.

Conclusions

The study concludes that obesity is a primary determinant of cardiovascular risk through the severe derangement of metabolic profiles. Increasing BMI is directly linked to a substantial rise in the probability of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and glycemic disorders. These findings underscore the essential role of nurses in primary health care settings. Nurses are uniquely positioned to act as a first line of defense through systematic risk monitoring and patient education. The authors recommend the development of structured, nurse-led preventive programs focused on sustainable lifestyle modifications - such as weight management, smoking cessation, and alcohol reduction - to enhance long-term health outcomes and prevent the progression of cardiovascular diseases in the community.