Cardiovascular disease stands as the foremost cause of mortality, affecting more than 17.9 million lives annually, as reported by the World Health Organization [1][2]. The surge in cardiovascular disease incidence, particularly in developing regions, can be primarily attributed to modifiable risk factors [2]. Intertwined with environmental conditions and personal choices encompassing diet, exercise, and tobacco use, these factors significantly contribute to the untimely emergence of cardiovascular ailments [3]. Notably, a recent investigation in the Netherlands-Caribbean [4] region, specifically Aruba, uncovered that 78% of fatalities are linked to non-communicable diseases, prominently cardiovascular disease [5].

Aruba is a small island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It is situated in the Lesser Antilles and is one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba is approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) off the northern coast of Venezuela in South America. It is part of the ABC islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao, collectively called the Dutch Caribbean or the Caribbean Netherlands. Aruba has a diverse population with a mix of ethnic backgrounds. Most of the population is of mixed African, European, and indigenous descent. Other ethnic groups include Dutch, Venezuelan, Colombian, and Caribbean islanders. Dutch and Papiamento are the official languages, with Papiamento being the primary language spoken by the locals. Aruba has a relatively small population compared to its land area, making it one of the least densely populated countries in the world. The capital city of Aruba is Oranjestad, which is also the cultural and economic hub of the island. Tourism is a significant industry in Aruba, and it attracts visitors from around the world with its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and vibrant culture. The island’s unique location, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming population make Aruba a popular destination for tourists and a fascinating place to study various aspects of its population, including health and demographics.

This study focuses on adults aged 18 and above in Aruba, delving into the intricate interplay between individual environments and lifestyle choices in shaping their current health statuses. A cross-sectional study, employing the renowned Framingham [6] study methodology, is employed to accomplish this. Originating from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, the Framingham [6] study offers a robust means of assessing cardiovascular disease risk via the Heart Disease Risk calculator [7]. By gauging the likelihood of future cardiovascular events, this methodology equips medical practitioners with the tools to initiate proactive preventive measures [7].

To operationalize this research approach, relevant metrics are garnered from the target population, encompassing vital variables such as BMI [8] and comprehensive health data about behavioral risk factors correlated with cardiovascular disease. Further enriching the dataset are critical demographics, including age, gender, height, weight, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol [9] levels, dietary patterns, exercise routines, and general health assessments, which provide a holistic snapshot of participants’ overall health statuses [10][11].

Considering these endeavors, this study aims to comprehensively assess cardiovascular disease risk factors within the Aruban population through a cross-sectional analysis and, correspondingly, to identify specific individuals who might be disproportionately predisposed to heightened risk factors. In this study, the Framingham 30-year Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score (General CVD and Hard CHD models) was applied [6].

Medical history questions were coded numerically where each number corresponded to a specific response (e.g., 1 = Yes, 2 = No, 3 = Sometimes, etc.). Framingham risk score was used to calculate the 30 years of CVD risk.

Table 1.Demographic breakdown.

Table 1 shows the demographic breakdown of study participants (gender, ethnicity). Counts and percentages are reported for each subgroup to provide context for subgroup analyses.

To fulfill our objective of meticulously scrutinizing the susceptibility of the Aruban population to cardiovascular disease risks, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of various health parameters. This analysis encompassed a range of factors, including 30-year cardiovascular risk, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, height, and weight, with a particular focus on gender differences.

The findings of this cross-sectional study shed light on the diverse range of cardiovascular risk factors and their interplay within the population of Aruba. The results highlight significant disparities based on gender, ethnicity, offering valuable insights for public health interventions.

This study highlights the multifaceted nature of cardiovascular disease risk in Aruba. As demonstrated through integrated analyses of gender, ethnicity, males consistently showed higher long-term risk, blood pressure, weight, and unfavorable cholesterol profiles (Tables 2-4, Figures 1-4). Ethnic differences, particularly the higher blood pressure observed among Arubans compared to Hispanics (Table 5, Figure 5), further emphasize the importance of culturally relevant interventions. Correlation analyses confirmed the well-established relationship between advancing age and elevated cardiovascular risk, underscoring the need for proactive prevention across all demographics.

In conclusion, effective cardiovascular disease prevention in Aruba requires a nuanced, demographically sensitive approach. Public health strategies should prioritize male-focused risk reduction, hypertension management in specific ethnic groups, and targeted nutritional education. By integrating these findings into practice, policymakers and healthcare providers can more effectively mitigate long-term cardiovascular disease burden and promote equitable health outcomes in the Aruban population.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all individuals and organizations that contributed to the successful completion of this research study.

First and foremost, we extend our deepest thanks to the participants of this study. Your willingness to share valuable information and insights was instrumental in advancing our understanding of cardiovascular risk factors in Aruba.

We would like to acknowledge the invaluable support and guidance provided by Xavier University School of Medicine. We are particularly grateful to Dr. Leahnata Davies and Dr. Aleksandar Dusic for their mentorship and expertise throughout the research process.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to our fellow researchers and colleagues, Kamal W. Khan, Alan Adam, Kevin Ram, Farhan Ahmed, Darelene Dole, Vanya Tromp, Xyqienne Leonardo, and Jenifer Acosta. Your dedication, collaboration, and hard work significantly contributed to the success of this study.

We are also thankful to the administrative staff and faculty members who provided logistical support and resources to facilitate our research efforts.

Finally, we appreciate the support of our friends and families who stood by us during this endeavor.

This research study would not have been possible without the collective efforts of all those mentioned above. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to advancing knowledge in cardiovascular health.

This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical review and approval were waived for this study because only anonymized data were used. Informed consent was obtained from all participants at the time of data collection.