TITLE:
Estimation of Risk for Cardiovascular Disease within Different Adult Age Groups in Aruba: A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Leahnata Davies, Aleksandar Dusic, Kamal W. Khan, Alan Adam, Kevin Ram, Farhan Ahmed, Darelene Dole, Vanya Tromp, Xyqienne Leonardo, Jenifer Acosta
KEYWORDS:
Cardiovascular Disease, Risk Assessment, Gender Disparities, Ethnicity, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Lifestyle Factors, Aruba
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Internal Medicine,
Vol.15 No.3,
September
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Cardiovascular disease [1] remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, driven largely by modifiable risk factors. Limited data exist on CVD risk in the Caribbean, particularly in Aruba. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 132 adults in Aruba assessed 30-year CVD risk, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, and lifestyle habits. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and correlation tests to examine differences across gender, ethnicity. Results: Males had significantly higher 30-year CVD risk, blood pressure, body weight, and unfavorable cholesterol profiles compared with females (0.01). Arubans exhibited higher blood pressure than Hispanics, while dietary patterns differed across ethnic groups. Conclusion: Gender, ethnicity are strongly associated with cardiovascular risk in Aruba. These findings highlight the need for tailored, culturally sensitive public health interventions to address disparities and reduce long-term CVD burden.