Relationship between healthy habits and sociodemographic variables in the values of different atherogenic indices

Abstract

[eng] Introduction: Atherosclerosis is the pathological lesion responsible for most cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 1457 Spanish workers to assess the effect of healthy habits (physical exercise determined with the IPAQ questionnaire, Mediterranean diet, and tobacco consumption) and sociodemographic variables (age, sex, and social class) on the values of different atherogenic indices. Results: The mean values and the prevalence of altered values in all the atherogenic indices analyzed were lower the higher the level of physical activity and also the greater the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In men there was a greater risk of presenting elevated values in all atherogenic indices, whereas the highest social class only increased this risk in some indices. Conclusion: Healthy habits such as physical exercise and the Mediterranean diet improve atherogenic indices and reduce the risk of presenting arteriosclerosis.