This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, whose objective was to investigate the risk factors related to cardiovascular changes in the elderly, attended in a public institution in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil in 2006. Interviews with 145 elderly were carried out for data collection. The findings were organized in tables and analysed in descriptive percentages. The results showed that 43.4% of the population is over 70 years old, predominantly female, with family incomes of one or less than one minimum monthly wage. Moreover, 52% are illiterate; the majority are married and live with relatives, 59.3%, have a history of hypertension and 41% are sedentary. Among the risk factors cited the consumption of coffee, salt, and fat are highlighted. Chronic-degenerative diseases are present in most elderly. It is therefore necessary to intensify health education programs in order to maintain the quality of life of the elderly.
Health of the elderly; Risk factors; Nursing
