Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors among the imams of Dakar: about 67 cases

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the general population has been poorly studied in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population group in Senegal (the imams). We conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive observational study from April 18th to May 2nd, 2015. Any subject acting as an imam, member of the association of imams and ulamas of Dakar, was included. The study population was quite old, with a mean age of 67.05 ± 12.35 years. The socio-economic level was quite low in the overall population. The prevalence of risk factors was much higher among unpaid imams. The survey revealed a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, with dyslipidemias as a major contributing risk factor observed in 80% of cases. The prevalence of other risk factors was: sedentary lifestyle (74.6%), hypertension (56.7%), diabetes (17%), obesity (10.4%) and metabolic syndrome (19.4%). Risk factor combinations were common and 74,6% of the imams surveyed had at least three cardiovascular risk factors. Global cardiovascular risk was low to moderate in 76.66% of cases, high and very high in 23.33% of cases. This survey showed, on the one hand, a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in imams and, on the other hand, that these risk factors are not often known to subjects. It is imperative to promote studies for the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors.