Abstract

Introduction: Over 80% of cardiovascular deaths take place in low and middle incomecountries. These cardiovascular deaths are caused by modifiable risk factors. Evidenceis emerging that some of these factors maybe even more prevalent in rural areas whichare generally underserved.Aim: The aim of this study was to record risk factors for cardiovascular disease inrural communities in south southern Nigeria and review some related literature.Methods: A cross sectional study during clinical outreach activities that took placein 2016 to 2018 in several rural and few urban communities in Cross River State,Nigeria. Participating individuals gave full consent and ethical clearance obtained.Socio-demographic data, Anthropometric data and Blood sugar measurements wereobtained. Data extracted was transferred into EXCEL thereafter analysis was doneusing SPSS version 21. p values less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant.Tests of significance included Anova, chi square and student t- tests.Results: Total population investigated over the 3 year period was 504. (2016-33.1%),(2017 -37.9%), (2018 – 28%) with a Female: Male distribution of 1:1.Most participants tended to be overweight across the years 59.7%, 59.1%, 73.7%,2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. The prevalence of Hypertension was 10.71%. Nosignificant gender difference in the prevalence of Hypertension (6.94% males to 3.77%females, p=0.097). The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was 10.67%. There was nosignificant gender prevalence (6.67% males to 4.00% females, p =0.431)Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease remains relatively uncommon in Sub-SaharanAfrica, despite an increasing prevalence of risk factors, but it’s incidence is rising.Steps should be taken in Sub-Saharan Africa to prevent an epidemic. This involvesdetailed and regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors in rural communities.Key words: RISK FACTORS, Cardio vascular disease, South South Nigeria.