Improving the cardiovascular risk in overweight patients included in a pharmacotherapeutic followup programme in community pharmacies

INTRODUCTION Due to the fact that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Spain (38%) and the fact that 38% of the population are overweight and that this is a modifi able cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF), it is fundamental that the community pharmacist should collaborate by means of pharmaceutical care procedures to reduce this health problem. OBJECTIVE To improve the CVR by applying the Cuídate Corazón® programme (Laboratorios Lácer) in overweight or obese patients, which is incorporated into a pharmacotherapeutic follow-up programme (Dáder methodology) and weight control in the community pharmacy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Controlled experimental study. Carried out in three community pharmacies in the province of Valencia on an estimated sample of 39 overweight adults aged between 40 and 65. The patients had their weight, body mass index (BMI), abdominal perimefiter, BP, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides systematically controlled. They were questioned about their living habits and, based on this, their CVR was determined according to the standards of the European Society of Hypertension. They were then given a pharmacotherapeutic follow-up and weekly weight control, modifying their eating habits and including exercise in their everyday lives. Their CVR was calculated at the beginning, on reaching the weight agreed on, and six months after this. USE OF THE STUDY We hope to achieve a reduction in the CVRF of the patients in the study, which would mean an improvement in the health results of the patients obtained through the intervention of the pharmacist in the community pharmacy, using pharmaceutical care procedures.