Assessment of cardiovascular risk and social framework of Cape Verdean university students studying in Portugal

Introduction

The migration of African populations to Europe poses problems of adaptation that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. We assessed the cardiovascular risk of Cape Verdean university students studying in Portugal (CV-PT) compared to Cape Verdean university students in Cape Verde (CV-CV) and to Caucasian university students in Portugal (PT-PT).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed comparing three university populations, 54-62% female, aged 19-28 years: CV-PT (n=104), CV-CV (n=100) and PT-PT (n=100). Anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), albuminuria and estimated 24-h urinary sodium excretion (UNa⁺) using the Kawasaki formula were measured.

Results

The CV-PT group had higher body mass index and sodium intake (UNa⁺: CV-PT 235±91, CV-CV 197±85, PT-PT 194±90 mmol/24 h; p<0.001), more sedentary lifestyles and worse socioeconomic, integration and adaptation indices compared to CV-CV and PT-PT. CV-PT and CV-CV also had higher systolic BP (CV-PT 119±12 mmHg, CV-CV 121±15 mmHg, PT-PT 107±14 mmHg; p<0.001), PWV (CV-PT 8.7±1.1, CV-CV 8.8±1.8, PT-PT 8.0±1.2 m/s; p<0.04), and albuminuria (CV-PT 13.0±34.1, CV-CV 9.2±21.2, PT-PT 5.7±6.4 μg/mg creatinine; p<0.04).

Conclusion

Cape Verdean university students in Portugal (CV-PT) have higher albuminuria, BP and PWV values than PT-PT and CV-CV students, associated with less healthy lifestyles, higher cardiovascular risk and worse socioeconomic conditions. The higher cardiovascular risk in these African immigrants means that it is important to implement measures to address modifiable risk factors, to improve integration and to promote healthy lifestyles.