Table 1 Summary of IFHA recommendations and variables
Skills expected | Recommendations | Variables resulted |
|---|---|---|
Identify cardiovascular risk factors | These cardiovascular risk factors must be explored: patient personal history (CVD and diabetes) and family history of premature CVD, age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, diet poor in fruits and vegetables, salt intake. | -Knowledge of cardiovascular diseases -Knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors -Knowledge of cut-off values of cardiovascular risk factors (HTN, diabetes and obesity) |
Assess cardiovascular risk level. | Patients are stratified in four levels of cardiovascular risk: low, medium, high and very high risk. Patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk must be referred in the next level of care. | Indication for immediate referrals |
Perform patient education | Counseling on diet including excessive alcohol intake, physical activity and cessation of tobacco use. | Content of patients’ education |
Provide medical treatment | Hydrochlorothiazide in low dosage. | Antihypertensive the most used |