Risk-based prevention of heart disease and stroke in Latin America and the Caribbean: a pooled analysis of prospective cohorts and population-based surveys

Compared with high-income countries, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for more deaths in low- and middle-income countries. We can use approaches such as regulating salt in prepared food to prevent these diseases or we could target people most likely to have a CVD and treat them with medicines that lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Researchers have developed risk prediction equations to identify people at high risk. However, their predictions are not accurate when applied to people with different profiles than those who were included in the development of the equation. Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) populations have not been included in any risk prediction equations, hence the lack of tools to identify high-risk people and guide treatment for this group. 

I aim to develop a cardiovascular risk equation based on data from people in LAC to calculate how many people have a high risk of CVD and how many receive treatment.

My results can be used to target prevention measures at people at high risk of CVD in Latin America and the Caribbean.