Introduction: The results of conducted public health actions we have had so far indicate a high presence of unregulated cardiovascular (CV) risk (1, 2) factors, which explains a continuously high CV mortality in the Republic of Croatia (3). We show the continuation of the initiated research with the purpose of detecting an effective combination of risk factors applicable to screening on increased CV risk beyond primary healthcare.

Patients and Methods: After being announced in the media, interested persons joined the free, open public health action included in the program of promoting cardiovascular health, “Guardians of the Heart”, which was held on the occasion of the Day of the City of Zagreb in June 2016. After taking the demographic data, data on cigarette smoking and diabetes, they underwent the measurement of the body mass index, waist circumference, glucose and lipid values in the capillary blood and blood pressure. Persons aged 40-65 have been diagnosed CV risk using SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation) risk charts. Participants had the opportunity to choose to undergo an examination of all or certain risk factors, take educational materials and consult health professionals. The data was analyzed in groups, depending on gender. Descriptive statistics of data obtained by counting was performed by using absolute numbers and relative frequencies, whereas testing of the relation was done by using χ²-test. The data obtained by measurements was analyzed by t-test.

Results: The action was joined by 132 persons (44.7% men and 55.3% women), most of whom was aged over 65 years (63.6%). Dyslipidemia (74.6%), obesity (60.6%), central obesity (56.1%) and hypertension (51.1%) were most common. The analysis of the present factors by gender is shown in Table 1. The values ​​of total cholesterol and LDL were higher in men, and HDL values were higher in women. One third of the participants had a glucose value > 6.4mmol/L. Most diabetics did not have a satisfactory regulated glycemia. According to SCORE risk charts (Table 2) middle age men were commonly found in high risk category, while women were found in the moderate risk category.

Conclusion: The measurement of waist circumference, as a quick and simple method, should be considered in future public health activities. Monitoring of glycaemia is useful in diabetics, while others should undergo it only on an empty stomach. People having moderate to high CV risk should consult a general practitioner. Considering a high presence of variable CV factors, a more aggressive approach to screening is required, that in addition to providing information on the priorities of CV prevention (4) should also focus on the cardiometabolic risk.