Clinical Trial of the Effectiveness of Non-pharmacological Interventions (Physical Activity + ABPM) in Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Primary Care

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the main cause of death in Western countries, with a very high prevalence (affecting >1 in every 3 adult Americans), and contributes as one of the highest annual healthcare costs. There is still enormous potential for improving prevention although notable efforts have already been made. In the Spanish population, the following cardiovascular risk factors have been identified as being most prevalent: arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, having a sedentary lifestyle, tobaccoism, obesity and diabetes.

Essential Arterial Hypertension (EAH) is the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in the world and the main cause of cardiovascular disease. There are many clinical practice guides which recommend carrying out moderate physical activity to prevent, delay or reduce hypertension, given that the practice of community interventions with physical activity have been efficient.

The indication to perform Itinerant Monitorization blood pressure in the diagnosis of hypertension is included in the latest draft of the clinical practice guideline from NICE, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence .

Other cardiovascular risk factor to take into account is dyslipidemia, the prevalence of dyslipidemia is 16.2% in adults aged over 20 years. For this condition, physical activity is also recommended.

When faced with a sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity two intervention measures are available for reducing its incidence: verbal healthcare advice (taking advantage of the patients visit to the consultation) and the prescription of physical exercise.