Prevalence of American Heart Association defined ideal cardiovascular health metrics in Nepal: findings from a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The ever-increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is posing a serious health challenge for Nepal. This study examines the status of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) and its associated determinants in Nepal using the American Heart Association (AHA) definition of ICH metrics. METHODS: The AHA has defined ICH as having five to seven of the ideal health metrics. A representative sample from the NCD risk factors STEPS survey 2013 were drawn to analyse the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of ideal, intermediate and poor cardiovascular health in Nepal. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the determinants of ICH. RESULTS: More than half of the participants had ICH metrics (51.6%), with the 45-69 y age group having the lowest prevalence of ICH (28%) and females having better cardiovascular health compared with their male counterparts (60.6% vs 41.7%). The prevalence of low intake of fruit and vegetables, tobacco smoking and elevated blood pressure were quite high (99%, 18.8% and 31.4%, respectively). The status of ICH declined with age: individuals 15-29 y of age had 6 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.80-8.60) higher odds of having ICH compared with those who were 45-69 y, and it was low among urban residents (referent: rural; adjusted odds ratio 0.77 [95% CI 0.58-1.01]). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the participants had ICH, which declined with ageing. Further, urban residents had poor cardiovascular health. This highlights the need for a comprehensive population-based intervention targeting elderly and urban residents to improve overall cardiovascular health.