Cardiovascular Risk Unit

What is the Cardiovascular Risk Unit?

The cardiovascular risk unit is part of the internal medicine specialty (and/or cardiology in some centers), although it works closely with other departments, focusing on evaluating the likelihood of patients developing diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels.

The ultimate goal of this branch of medicine is prevention and health promotion. To achieve this, it focuses on raising awareness among the general population about risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and informing about lifestyle habits that promote good health (promotion).

What Does the Cardiovascular Risk Unit Study?

Cardiovascular risk specialists study both the physical and medical characteristics of patients and the habits that negatively affect the health of the heart and blood vessels. While their research is primarily focused on preventing the onset of diseases, they also delve into the development of treatments to reduce risk factors, which are classified into five levels:

• Very high cardiovascular risk: individuals who have already had a prior cardiovascular event, those with type 2 diabetes, and those with another pathology or chronic kidney disease.
• High cardiovascular risk: diabetics without other diseases and patients with pathological risk factors such as familial hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemiaDyslipidemiaDyslipidemia .
• Moderate cardiovascular risk: individuals with type 1 diabetes under 35 years old or under 50 years old with type 2 diabetes.
• Low or residual cardiovascular risk: those with some factors that require monitoring but who do not have other underlying conditions.

Who is the Unit Directed Toward?

Anyone can attend the consultation to assess their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and begin adopting healthy habits. However, it is particularly important for those with diabetes, familial hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemiaDyslipidemiaDyslipidemia , or prior cardiovascular events.

Techniques, Procedures, and Diagnostic Methods

The diagnostic methods used in this unit are focused on assessing the status of the heart and blood vessels. Some basic tests include:

• Electrocardiogram: records the electrical impulses of the heart and detects anomalies in rhythm or frequency.
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI): compares the blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm to detect possible narrowing of the arteries in the legs.
• 24-hour Holter: monitors heart rhythm or blood pressure for a full day, allowing the reaction of the heart to daily activities to be observed.
• Anthropometric measurements: records weight, height, abdominal circumference, and body mass index (BMI).
• Complete blood test: examines the cellular components of the blood, sedimentation rate, lipid metabolism, cholesterol (total, HDL, and LDL), glucose, liver profile, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, direct and conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, kidney function, creatinine, urea, and uric acid.