Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Mexican Population

Chronic degenerative disorders have become a major health problem in Mexico. Cardiovascular diseases represent the first cause of death in our country. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as the main health problem in Mexico. Its prevalence doubled from 200 mg/dL, and 10% has hypercholesterolemia. The prevalence of obesity increased from 21.4% in 1993, to 23.7% in the year 2000. Eight percent of the population has a glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min, and 9.1% has proteinuria. Twenty-four percent uses tobacco regularly, and 13% had the habit in the past. Smoking is more frequent among diabetics (34%).In conclusion, cardiovascular risks factors are highly common among the Mexican population and increasing at alarming rates. Preventive programs targeted to decrease their prevalence are urgently needed in Mexico and should become a national priority.