Cardiovascular risk factors and awareness among adults attending an opportunistic community screening event in Réunion Island

Objective To describe cardiovascular risk factors and their awareness among adults attending a community screening event in Réunion Island, a French overseas department with a high cardiometabolic burden. Methods On May 26, 2026, free voluntary screening was offered to adults on the Saint-Pierre seafront, Réunion Island, France. Cardiovascular history, risk factors, treatments, and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors were self-reported through brief verbal questions. Blood pressure, capillary glucose, and lipids (point-of-care analyzer) were measured. Hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were defined by previous diagnosis, current treatment, or predefined screening thresholds. Results Forty-one adults were screened (median age, 54.0 years [interquartile range, 40.0–70.0]; 59% men). Five (12%) had a history of cardiovascular disease, and 23 (56%) reported being unaware of cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were each identified in 18 participants (44%; 95% CI 30, 59) and diabetes in 9 (22%; 95% CI 12, 37). Blood pressure was controlled in five of nine (56%) treated participants. Conclusions Participants had a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors and limited awareness of them. Although based on a small, self-selected sample, these findings are consistent with the known cardiometabolic burden of Réunion Island and support community screening and education to complement routine prevention.