Cardiovascular risk factors in 7-to-10-year-old children in Vitoria, Espirito Santo State, Brazil

The study aimed to identify the simultaneous occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors in children 7 to 10 years of age in Vitoria, Espirito Santo State, Brazil, and investigate associated socioeconomic variables. In a sample of 1,282 children, anthropometric data were obtained and blood pressure was measured with an automatic device. Socioeconomic, nutritional, and physical activity data were obtained with a questionnaire. To evaluate the simultaneous occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors, an index was developed including overweight, high blood pressure, poor eating, and sedentary leisure >= 4hours/day. The simultaneous presence of four cardiovascular risk factors was defined as high risk. Socioeconomic status and maternal schooling were included in the logistic regression model. Some 34% of the children presented two cardiovascular risk factors, 20% three factors, and 6.4% four cardiovascular risk factors. Maternal schooling remained associated with high cardiovascular risk (OR: 7.36, 95% CI: 2.09-25.97) and medium risk (OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.58-4.20). Low maternal schooling was the most important factor associated with cardiovascular risk.