Abstract

This article aims to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and food intake inadequacies in cadets from the Brazilian Air Force Academy and the association with sex and year of graduation. Cross-sectional study with 166 adult cadets from the Air Force Academy, placed in Pirassununga – SP, from June to December 2013. Anthropometric measures, biochemical and clinical parameters, physical activity level, smoking habit and food intake were evaluated. Pearson’s Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used. Overweight prevalence (BMI > 25.0 kg/m²) was 29.7% in men and 16.7% in women. Hypertension was observed in 15.2% of men. Hypercholesterolemia was detected in 50.7% of the cadets; 24.3% presented high levels of low-density lipoprotein and 11.2%, low levels of high-density lipoprotein. There was association between the time spent in the Academy and low levels of high-density lipoprotein. High intake of saturated fat (87.2%) and cholesterol (42.7%) were observed. Inadequate intake of fibers was verified in 92.7% of the sample. There was considerable prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among the cadets, especially hypercholesterolemia and inadequate food intake.

Adult; Cardiovascular diseases; Dyslipidemias; Eating; Military personnel

Introduction

The changes observed in the lifestyle patterns of contemporary population are related to the processes of industrialization, urbanization and economic development. Some of these changes reflect negatively on the individuals’ health, considering its relationship with risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCD), such as poor eating habits, smoking, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol intake¹1. World Health Organization (WHO). Global status report on non communicable diseases 2010. Geneva: WHO; 2011..

In 2012, approximately 68.0% of the worldwide causes of death were attributed to NCD, being 40.0% of them in people under 70 years of age²2. World Health Organization (WHO). Global status report on non communicable diseases 2014. Geneva: WHO; 2014.. Among the NCD, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality, accounting for about 17.5 million deaths worldwide³3. World Health Organization(WHO). Top 10 causes of death. [cited 2015 Apr 27]. Available in: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheet... . In Brazil, there is a downward trend in mortality caused by CVD, however they are still the leading cause of death and hospitalization in the country, being responsible for 31.3% of deaths in the adult population⁴4. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (Ipea), Ministério da Saúde, Secretaria de Assuntos Estratégicos da Presidência da República. A Saúde no Brasil em 2030: Diretrizes Para a Prospecção Estratégica do Sistema de Saúde Brasileiro. Rio de Janeiro: Fiocruz, Ipea, Ministério da Saúde, Secretaria de Assuntos Estratégicos da Presidência da República; 2012..

CVD are considered of progressive nature once age acts as a risk factor for its development. However, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) has also been diagnosed at earlier life stages⁵5. Pasiakos SM, Karl JP, Lutz LJ, Murphy NE, Margolis LM, Rood JC, Cable SJ, Williams KW, Young AJ, McClung JP. Cardiometabolic Risk in US Army Recruits and the Effects of Basic Combat Training. PLoS One 2012; 7(2):1-7..

Similar to the civilian population, the increasing CVRF prevalence in young people can also affect the military population⁶6. Al-Dahi S, Al-Khashan H, Al Madeer MAM, Al-Saif K, Al-Amri MDS, Al-Ghamdi O, Al-Helali N, Selim M, Mishriky AM.. Assessment of Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Militaries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mil Med 2013; 178(3):299-305., characterized as healthy, physically active and at low risk of developing NCD. Investigations of CVRF in the military population have been reported⁵5. Pasiakos SM, Karl JP, Lutz LJ, Murphy NE, Margolis LM, Rood JC, Cable SJ, Williams KW, Young AJ, McClung JP. Cardiometabolic Risk in US Army Recruits and the Effects of Basic Combat Training. PLoS One 2012; 7(2):1-7.

6. Al-Dahi S, Al-Khashan H, Al Madeer MAM, Al-Saif K, Al-Amri MDS, Al-Ghamdi O, Al-Helali N, Selim M, Mishriky AM.. Assessment of Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Militaries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mil Med 2013; 178(3):299-305.

7. Khoshdel A, Jafari SMS, Heydari ST, Abtahi F, Ardekani A, Lak FJ. The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, and Metabolic Syndrome among Iranian Military Parachutists. Int Cardiovasc Res J 2012; 6(2):51-55.

8. McGraw LK, Turner BS, Stotts NA, Dracup KA. A review of cardiovascular risk factors in US military personnel. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2008; 23(4):338-344.

9. Mullie P, Clarys P, Hulens M, Vansant G. Distribution of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Belgian Army Men. Arch Environ Occup Health 2010; 65(3):135-139.

10. Radjen SD, Jovelic AS, Radjen GS, Hajdukovic ZV, Radakovic SS. Metabolic syndrome and carotid artery intima-media thickness in military pilots. Aviat Space Environ Med 2011; 82(6):622-626.

11. Ray S, Kulkarni B, Sreenivas A. Prevalence of prehypertension in young military adults & its association with overweight & dyslipidaemia. Indian J Med Res 2011; 134:162-167.^-1212. Sansanayudh N, Luvira V, Woracharoensri N, Phulsuksombati D, Sripen R. Prevalence of prehypertensive state and other cardiovascular risk factors in the First Infantry Regiment, the King’s own bodyguard. J Med Assoc Thai 2009; 92(Supl. 1):S28-38., however, few studies have assessed dietary intake of these subjects¹³13. Ramsey CB, Hostetler C, Andrews A. Evaluating the nutrition intake of U.S. military service members in garrison. Mil Med 2013; 178(12):1285-1290.

14. Mullie P, Clarys P. Relation between dietary pattern analysis (principal component analysis) and body mass index: a 5-year follow-up study in a Belgian military population. J R Army Med Corps 2015; 162(1):23-29

15. Mundan V, Muiva M, Kimani S. Physiological, Behavioral, and Dietary Characteristics Associated with Hypertension among Kenyan Defence Forces. ISRN Preventive Med 2013; 2013:740143.

16. Nkondjock A, Bizome E. Dietary patterns associated with hypertension prevalence in the Cameroon defence forces. Eur J Clin Nutr 2010; 64(9):1014-1021.^-1717. Smith TJ, Dotson LE, Young AJ, White A, Hadden L, Bathalon GP, Funderburk L, Marriott BP. Eating patterns and leisure-time exercise among active duty military personnel: comparison to the Healthy People objectives. J Acad Nutr Diet 2013; 113(7):907-919.. In Brazil, just a few researches on cardiovascular risk in the military population have been found over the past decade¹⁸18. Barbosa RO, Silva EF. Prevalência de Fatores de Risco Cardiovascular em Policiais Militares. Rev Bras Cardiol 2013; 26(1):45-53.

19. Costa FF, Montenegro VB, Lopes TJ, Costa EC. Combination of risk factors for metabolic syndrome in the military personnel of the Brazilian Navy. Arq Bras Cardiol 2011; 97(6):485-492.

20. Jesus GM, Mota NM, Jesus EFA. Risco cardiovascular em policiais militares de uma cidade de grande porte do Nordeste do Brasil. Rev Bras Ciênc Esporte 2014; 36(3):692-699.

21. Maria SHC. Estado nutricional e fatores associados em militares da Força Aérea Brasileira na cidade de São Paulo [dissertação]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas; Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade e Faculdade de Saúde Pública; 2011.

22. Muniz GR, Bastos FI. Prevalência de obesidade em militares da Força Aérea Brasileira e suas implicações na medicina aeroespacial. R Educ Tecn Apl Aeron 2010; 2(1):25-36.

23. Neves EB. Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em militares do exército brasileiro: associação com a hipertensão arterial. Cien Saude Colet 2008; 13(5):1661-1668.^-2424. Wenzel D, Souza JMP, Souza SB. Prevalência de hipertensão arterial em militares jovens e fatores associados. Rev Saude Publica 2009; 43(5):789-795., and only two studies evaluating food consumption were located¹⁸18. Barbosa RO, Silva EF. Prevalência de Fatores de Risco Cardiovascular em Policiais Militares. Rev Bras Cardiol 2013; 26(1):45-53.^,2121. Maria SHC. Estado nutricional e fatores associados em militares da Força Aérea Brasileira na cidade de São Paulo [dissertação]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas; Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade e Faculdade de Saúde Pública; 2011.. This research was outlined given the importance of knowing the CVRF profile among the military in order to trace the necessary measures for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CVRF and inadequacies of food intake in cadets from the Brazilian Air Force Academy (AFA), as well as the association of these factors with sex and year of graduation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with cadets of both sexes, aged between 20 and 30 years and enrolled in the AFA, in Pirassununga city, São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection was performed from June to December 2013. The cadets were invited to participate in the study during lectures given by the main researcher, with explanations of all the steps that would be taken. From approximately 800 cadets registered in the AFA, 175 were recruited for this research. From these 175, two cadets were dismissed during the course, one gave up participating in the study and six did not attend the nutritional assessment consultation. Thus, the final sample consisted of 166 individuals. Pregnant women; individualstakingmedicines with the potential to interfere with biochemical serum lipids profile; and those with infection, inflammation, fever, diarrhea and metabolic stress were not included in the study:

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Goiás (Protocol 189/12). The consent form was presented to the participants during the first appointment and it was signed in duplicate by the main researcher and all those who agreed to participate.

Data collection was divided into two phases: (1) collection of socioeconomic, lifestyle and anthropometric data, blood pressure data, and instructions for completing the food records; (2) collection of biological material to carry out the biochemical tests.

Socioeconomic, lifestyle and anthropometric data collection was held at the Nutrition room in the AFA’s Health Subdivision, conducted by a single researcher. In relation to lifestyle, emphasis was given to the level of physical activity and smoking habit. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness. In the same appointment, participants were instructed how to fill the food records and received orientation for the blood collection, held in pre-scheduled appointments with each individual. Measures of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were also taken.

The level of physical activity was evaluated in minutes / week and measured in accordance with the reports of activities during physical education classes. The recommendation for physical activity considers moderate activity longer or equal to 150 minutes per week or 75 minutes of intense activity per week²⁵25. World Health Organization (WHO). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. Geneva: WHO; 2010.. The sum lower than 150 minutes of moderate activity was the cutoff point used to classify the cadets as insufficiently active or sedentary²⁵25. World Health Organization (WHO). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. Geneva: WHO; 2010.. For quantification of physical activity as moderate or intense, the Metabolic Equivalents scale (MET) was used, in which MET values of 3.0 to 5.9 are classified as moderate activity and above 6, as intense activity²⁶26. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Physical activity guidelines for Americans. Atlanta: HHS; 2008. [acessado 2015 jun 19]. Disponível em: http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/default/aspx
http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/defau... .

Smokers were those individuals who reported smoking, regardless of the number of cigarettes per day.

Measurements of weight (kg) and height (m) were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), obtained by dividing the value of weight in kilograms by height in square meters. The cutoff points for BMI classification were based on references proposed by the World Health Organization²⁷27. World Health Organization (WHO).Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic: Report of a WHO Consultation. Geneva: WHO; 2000. TechnicalReport Series, 894 p.: BMI < 18.5 kg/m² – underweight; BMI between 18.5 kg/m² to 24.9 kg/m² – normal weight; BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² – overweight, including obesity.

Abdominal obesity was determined from waist circumference (WC). The measure was performed with an inelastic tape, in centimeters, disposed at the midpoint between the iliac crest and the last rib at the time of expiration²⁷27. World Health Organization (WHO).Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic: Report of a WHO Consultation. Geneva: WHO; 2000. TechnicalReport Series, 894 p.. The cutoff points for abdominal obesity were ≥ 94.0 cm for men and ≥ 80.0 cm in women²⁸28. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Sociedade Brasileira de Hipertensão (SBH),Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia(SBN). VI Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão. Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 95(1):1-51..

Triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and thigh skinfolds were measured to estimate body fat percentage (% BF). Skinfolds measurement were performed in triplicate by a single evaluator in order to ensure greater accuracy and prevent errors. For skinfolds measurement a scientific Sanny^® adipometer (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and standard protocol were used²⁹29. Guedes DP, Guedes JERP. Composição corporal: princípios, técnicas e aplicações. In: Guedes DP, Guedes JERP.Controle de peso corporal: composição corporal, atividade física e nutrição. 2ª ed. Rio de Janeiro: Shape; 2003. p. 78-117.^,3030. Harrison GC, Buskirk ER, Carter JEL, Johnston FE, Lohman TG, Pollack ML, Roche AF, Wilmore J. Skinfold thicknesses and measurement technique. In: Lohman TG, Roche AF, Martorell R, editors. Anthropometric Standardization Reference Manual. Champaign: Human Kinects Books; 1988. p. 55-80.. The body density (Dc) and, subsequently, the % BF were calculated³¹31. Siri WE. Body composition from fluid space and density. In: Brozec J, Hanschel A, editors. Techniques for measuring body composition. Washington: National Academy of Sciences; 1961. p. 223-224.^,3232. Guedes DP, Guedes JERP. Proposição de equações para predição de gordura corporal em adultos jovens. Semina 1991; 12(6):61-70.. The cutoff points used for assessment of % BF adequacy were ≤ 15.0% for men and ≤ 23.0% for women³³33. Lohman TG, Roche AF, Martorell R. Anthropometric standardization reference manual. Champaign: Humam Kinetics Books; 1991..

SBP and DBP were checked according to pertinent recommendations²⁸28. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Sociedade Brasileira de Hipertensão (SBH),Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia(SBN). VI Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão. Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 95(1):1-51. and with an analogical sphygmomanometer (Becton Dickinson’s Brasil^®, São Paulo, Brazil), calibrated by INMETRO. We opted for the use of threshold PA values for diagnosis of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), that is, values ≥ 130.0 mmHg for SBP and ≥ 85.0 mmHg for PAD²⁸28. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Sociedade Brasileira de Hipertensão (SBH),Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia(SBN). VI Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão. Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 95(1):1-51., since the population was young and physically active, factors that are not considered risk for CVD²⁸28. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Sociedade Brasileira de Hipertensão (SBH),Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia(SBN). VI Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão. Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 95(1):1-51..

For laboratory tests, participants were asked to attend the AFA’s Health Subdivision Laboratory in a previously scheduled day, for a 12-hour fasting blood collection, which was performed by a qualified professional, using disposable syringes and stainless steel disposable needles. Blood samples (15 mL) were transferred into polypropylene tubes adequate for lipid profile determination. Evaluation of serum lipid profile was performed by enzymatic colorimetric methods, using kits from Biotécnica^® (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and Biosystems^® (Paraná, Brazil). Test readings were performed on a LabMaxPlenno, Labtest^® (Minas Gerais, Brazil) biochemical analyzer. Cholesterol contained in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was determined after precipitation of the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) fractions. LDL and VLDL were calculated using the Friedewald et al. equation³⁴34. Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS. Estimation of the Concentration of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Plasma, Without Use of the Preparative Ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem 1972; 18(6):499-502.. All analyzes were conducted at the AFA’s Health Subdivision Laboratory. To interpret the results, the following cutoff points for cardiovascular risk were adopted: triacylglycerol (TG) ≥ 150.0 mg/dL, LDL > 100.0 mg/dL, HDL < 40.0 mg/dL²⁸28. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Sociedade Brasileira de Hipertensão (SBH),Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia(SBN). VI Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão. Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 95(1):1-51. and total cholesterol > 200.0 mg/dL³⁵35. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report. Circulation 2002; 106(25):3143-3421..

Fasting blood glucose was measured by automated enzymatic colorimetric method, with the kit from Biotécnica^® (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and LabMaxPlenno, Labtest^® (Minas Gerais, Brazil) biochemical analyzer. The cutoff point for fasting blood glucose was 100.0 mg/dL²⁸28. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Sociedade Brasileira de Hipertensão (SBH),Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia(SBN). VI Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão. Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 95(1):1-51..

The assessment of food intake was based in the use of food diaries of three non-consecutive days, including a weekend day³⁶36. Basiotis PP, Welsh SO, Cronin FJ, Kelsay JL, Mertz W. Number of days of food intake records required to estimate individual and group nutrient intakes with defined confidence. J Nutr 1987; 117(9):1638-1641. (alternate day chosen by individuals). During the first appointment, participants received forms to fill and they were returned to the researcher on the day scheduled for blood collection. For calculation and assessment of dietary intake software Avanutri^® (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) was used. Data were entered as household measures andfor purposes of analysis, the three-day meanof food consumption was used.

The evaluation of the macronutrients and dietary fiber intake adequacy was based on the cutoff points proposed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization³⁷37. World Health Organization(WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO). Population nutrient intake goals for preventing diet-related chronic diseases. In:World Health Organization(WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases. Geneva: WHO; 2003. p. 54-60.. The adequacy of fatty acid consumption was based on the IV Brazilian Guidelines on Dyslipidemia and Prevention of Atherosclerosis recommendations³⁸38. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia(SBC). IV Diretriz Brasileira sobre Dislipidemias e Prevenção da Aterosclerose. Arq Bras Cardiol 2007; 88(1):1-19.: saturated fatty acids ≤ 7.0% of total energy intake (TEI); polyunsaturated ≤ 10.0% of TEI; and monounsaturated ≤ 20.0% of TEI.

Statistical analysis was performed on STATA/SE version 8.0. A descriptive analysis of continuous variables (mean ± standard deviation) was performed and the difference between sexes was analyzed by Student’s t test. Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate the association between CVRF, sex and year of graduation. The 5.0% level of significance was adopted as standard. For association analysis between CVRF and year of graduation we chose to separate cadets into two main groups: those from the 1^st and 2^nd years (younger) and those from the 3^rd and 4^th years (older).

In order to refine the food intake data, macronutrient, saturated fat, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, cholesterol and fiber intake values were adjusted to the energy value when appropriate. This procedure was performed according to the residual method, which allows the identification of relationships between dietary aspects and chronic diseases development without the influence of energy consumption³⁹39. Willett WC, Howe GR, Kushi LH. Adjustment for total energy intake in epidemiologic studies. Am J Clin Nutr 1997; 65(4):1220-1228..

To verify the sample size adequacy, maximum error was determined a posteriori. The confidence interval was 95.0% and the study power, 80.0%. The sample of 166 cadets was considered representative of the AFA because it was selected randomly among the cadets who attended the different years of teaching, from 800 cadets. The maximum error was 6.7%, considering the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia.

Results

One hundred and sixty-six cadets from the AFA participated in this study, of whom 147 (88.6%) were male. In relation to the four classes (years) of graduation: 39 (26.5%) were men in the first year; 25 (17.0%) were men in the second year; 74 (50.4%) were men and 17 (89.5%) were women in the third year; nine (6.1%) were men and two (10.5%) were women in the fourth year. The mean age was 21.5 ± 1.2 years for men and 21.6 ± 0.9 years for women, ranging from 19 up to 28 years.

The mean BMI for both sexes remained below 25.0 kg/m² and mean WC values were < 94.0 cm for men and < 80.0 cm in women. In relation to the biochemical tests, mean values were also within the appropriate standards. Mean values of LDL, VLDL, TG and glucose levels were not different between the sexes. The total cholesterol (151.4 ± 27.4 versus 173.4 ± 46.9, p = 0.0040) and HDL mean levels (51.8 ± 10.3 vs. 71.4 ± 16.6, p = 0.0000) were significantly higher in women, although within the normal range (Table 1).

We found that 29.7% (n = 41) of men and 16.7% (n = 3) of women were overweight. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension reached 15.2% (n = 22) of men. In relation to the lipid profile, 50.7% (n = 73) of all cadets had hypercholesterolemia and 24.3% (n = 35), high LDL levels. No significant differences between sexes for biochemical variables, lifestyle and anthropometric measures were observed, except for abdominal obesity, statistically associated with female sex (p = 0.0040), and prevalence of 21.0% (n = 4). Sedentary lifestyle, i.e., the practice of less than 150 minutes of moderate physical activity during the week, was found in a low percentage of the sample (4.8%), as well as the smoking habit (4.2%) (Table 2).

There was a statistically significant association between the length of stay (years of training) in the AFA and low HDL levels, with a higher prevalence in cadets from first and second years. The remaining variables did not differ statistically according to the year of graduation (Table 3).

Fifty-six cadets (55 men and one woman) did not complete the food records and, therefore, food consumption data of 110 subjects were analyzed. In this assessment, 58.7% of men and 50.0% of women had a food intake higher than the daily needs. Both men and women presented high consumption of saturated fat and men consumed high amounts of cholesterol, as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The intake of saturated fat was statistically higher among women. Inadequate fiber intake was found in 92.3% and 94.4% of men and women, respectively. Protein intake was significantly higher among men (Table 4).

Discussion

The results of this study show significant prevalence of CVRF among young cadets: hypertension, overweight, high adiposity, hypercholesterolemia, high LDL levels; high intake of saturated, mono and polyunsaturated fat; in addition to the low consumption of dietary fiber. Results are worrying, since a healthier profile with lower prevalence of CVRF among physically active young was expected. This profile indicates future risk for CVD in this group. These are important results of this research, signaling the need to implement actions in order to prevent CVRF among young military.

Hypertension prevalence in male cadets is worrisome, considering that their age is not a risk factor for this condition, and because it was was higher than in a Brazilian research (Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para DoençasCrônicasporInquéritoTelefônico – VIGITEL) which found a hypertension prevalence of 7.5% among young people aged from 18 to 24 years⁴⁰40. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. VIGITEL Brasil 2009: vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico. Brasília (DF); 2010. [acessado 2014 abr 20]. Disponível em: http://189.28.128.100/dab/docs/publicacoes/geral/publicacao_vigitel_2009.pdf
http://189.28.128.100/dab/docs/publicaco... . However, high prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension have been observed in military populations, such as in the Brazilian military police, aged between 20-54 (40.0% in men)¹⁸18. Barbosa RO, Silva EF. Prevalência de Fatores de Risco Cardiovascular em Policiais Militares. Rev Bras Cardiol 2013; 26(1):45-53.. In men from the Air Force of São Paulo, aged between 19-35, the prevalence of hypertension was 22.0%²⁴24. Wenzel D, Souza JMP, Souza SB. Prevalência de hipertensão arterial em militares jovens e fatores associados. Rev Saude Publica 2009; 43(5):789-795.. Members of the Cameroon defense forces (mean ± SD age 37.3 ± 9.6 years)presented a hypertension prevalence of 39.1%¹⁶16. Nkondjock A, Bizome E. Dietary patterns associated with hypertension prevalence in the Cameroon defence forces. Eur J Clin Nutr 2010; 64(9):1014-1021., while prehypertension reached 80.0% of India’s military aged 18-50 years¹¹11. Ray S, Kulkarni B, Sreenivas A. Prevalence of prehypertension in young military adults & its association with overweight & dyslipidaemia. Indian J Med Res 2011; 134:162-167..

In our study there was a high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and high LDL levels among cadets, which is worrying given the relationship between dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis genesis³⁸38. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia(SBC). IV Diretriz Brasileira sobre Dislipidemias e Prevenção da Aterosclerose. Arq Bras Cardiol 2007; 88(1):1-19.. Similar resultswere verified in a study with Belgian military aged between 20-56, in which the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia reached 56.0% of men⁹9. Mullie P, Clarys P, Hulens M, Vansant G. Distribution of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Belgian Army Men. Arch Environ Occup Health 2010; 65(3):135-139.. In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, a research with the military police aged 20-54 years found a dyslipidemia prevalence of 54.0%¹⁸18. Barbosa RO, Silva EF. Prevalência de Fatores de Risco Cardiovascular em Policiais Militares. Rev Bras Cardiol 2013; 26(1):45-53..

Low HDL levels were associated with the year of joining the AFA, with higher prevalence among the cadets of the first and second years. This result can be explained by the greater time dedicated to physical activity among the cadets of the third and fourth years, as they are practitioners of daily physical activity for a longer time than younger cadets. There is evidence that physically active adults have higher serum HDL concentrations and lower LDL and TG levels when compared to inactive individuals⁴¹41. Guedes DP, Goncalves LAVV. Impacto da prática habitual de atividade física no perfil lipídico de adultos. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab 2007; 51(1):72-78..

We observed significant prevalence of overweight. Although BMI is widely used as anutritional status evaluation method, it can provide inaccurate estimates when the assessed individuals have a high lean body mass percentage and lower fat mass, causing false-positive results⁴²42. Nunes RR, Clemente ELS, Pandini J, Cobas RA, Dias VM, Sperandei S, Gomes M Brito. Confiabilidade da classificação do estado nutricional obtida através do IMC e três diferentes métodos de percentual de gordura corporal em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab 2009; 53(3):360-367.. However, this type of bias was not observed in this research, as the BMI results were corroborated by the prevalence of high adiposity, which reached 17.5% of the cadets, according to body fat percentage in skinfold analysis. It is also important to highlight that the determination of lean mass percentage through skinfold measurement underestimates the results compared to the Radiological Dual Energy Absorptiometry (DEXA), which is the gold standard for this evaluation. Certainly, the prevalence of excess body fat would be significantly higher if assessed through DEXA⁴³43. Bottaro MF, Heyward VH, Bezerra RFA, Wagner DR. Skinfold method vs dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess body composition in normal and obese women. J Exerc Physiol 2002; 5(2):11-18..

Data on overweight prevalence are similar to other studies with military personnel which also showed high prevalence of this condition⁴⁴44. Reyes-Guzman CM, Bray RM, Forman-Hoffman VL, Williams J. Overweight and obesity trends among active duty military personnel: a 13-year perspective. Am J Prev Med 2015; 48(2):145-153.^,4545. Sudom KA, Hachey KK. Temporal trends in health and fitness of military personnel: a literature review and recent bibliography. Res Militaris 2011; 1(3):1-14.. In the United States, overweight and obesity prevalence in the military reached 60.0% of the studied population⁴⁶46. Shrestha M, Combest T, Fonda SJ, Alfonso A, Guerrero A.Effect of an Accelerometer on Body Weight and Fitnessin in Overweight and Obese Active Duty Soldiers. Mil Med 2013; 178(1):82-87.. In a study of Belgian military (men aged between 20-56), 15.3% were diagnosed with obesity and 43.1% were overweight⁹9. Mullie P, Clarys P, Hulens M, Vansant G. Distribution of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Belgian Army Men. Arch Environ Occup Health 2010; 65(3):135-139.. In Brazil, research with military men identified overweight and obesity prevalence of 51.6% and 12.9%, respectively²³23. Neves EB. Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em militares do exército brasileiro: associação com a hipertensão arterial. Cien Saude Colet 2008; 13(5):1661-1668.. High overweight and obesity prevalence among the military deserve attention and raises the need to implement intervention programs in order to improve nutritional status and, consequently, general health, preventing future cardiovascular events.

The prevalence of abdominal obesity was high and associated with female sex. Visceral fat is associated with metabolic disorders such as adverse changes in the profile of plasma lipoproteins, as well as to the genesis of coronary events⁴⁷47. Mendes WAA, Carmin SEM, Pinho PM, Silva ACM, Machado LMM, Araújo MS. Relação de Variáveis Antropométricas com os Perfis Pressórico e Lipídico em Adultos Portadores de Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis. Rev Bras Cardiol 2012;25(3):200-209.. The highest prevalence of obesity among women might be explained due to the greater amount of fat accumulated in the gluteal-femoral region, in addition to the influence of female steroid hormones, which plays a role in fat tissue accumulation⁴⁸48. Lopes AS, Nahas MV, Duarte MFS, Pires Neto CS. Distribuição de gordura corporal subcutânea índices de adiposidade de indivíduos de 20 a 67 anos de idade. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde 1995; 1(2):15-26..

Smoking habit was only observed among men, and the prevalence can be considered low. In a research with 10,500 soldiers in Saudi Arabia there was smoking habit prevalence of 35.0%⁶6. Al-Dahi S, Al-Khashan H, Al Madeer MAM, Al-Saif K, Al-Amri MDS, Al-Ghamdi O, Al-Helali N, Selim M, Mishriky AM.. Assessment of Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Militaries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mil Med 2013; 178(3):299-305.. Among military men from the US Navy the prevalence of smoking was 20.0%⁴⁹49. Macera CA. Aralis HJ, Andrew JM, Rauh MJ, HanPP , Galarneau MR. Cigarette Smoking, Body Mass Index, and Physical Fitness Changes Among Male Navy Personnel. Nicotine Tob Res 2011; 13(10):965-971.. Avoidingsmoking is an important measure in the control of CVD because cigarette components act directly on endothelial cells, reducing the vasodilation and increasing blood carbon monoxide concentrations and blood pressure⁵⁰50. Kelarijani, RB, Saleh, DK, Dadjoo, Y, Naseri, MH, Naserbakht, M, Kabir, A, Pourmansouri, L. Premature coronary artery disease in military and non-military individuals. ARYA Atheroscler 2007; 3(3):157-161..

We observed a satisfactory time devoted to the practice of physical exercise among cadets, demonstrating a common practice in Brazilian military schools, where physical education is a compulsory subject of the curriculum. Physical activity is considered an essential pillar in the reduction of NCD risk⁵¹51. Teixeira CF, Pereira EF. Aptidão Física, Idade e Estado Nutricional em Militares. Arq Bras Cardiol 2010; 94(4):438-443., including CVD⁵²52. Naghii MR, Almadadi M, Zarchi AAK. Regular physical activity as a basic component of lifestyle modification reduces major cardiovascular risk factors among male armored force personnel of Shabestar army installation in Iran. Work 2011; 40(2):217-227..

Dietary intake of the cadets drew attention to the high consumption of total fat, especially saturated fatty acids, which is one of the factors closely related to the high hypercholesterolemia prevalence observed among cadets. These results were similar to the Brazilian research data observed in the general population, in which the prevalence of saturated fat inadequate intake reached 82.0% of men and 87.0% of women aged between 19-59 year⁵³53. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística(IBGE). Pesquisa de orçamentos familiares 2008-2009: análise do consumo alimentar pessoal no Brasil. Rio de Janeiro: IBGE; 2011..

In addition to the high consumption of fats, the results showed low intake of dietary fiber, which is in line with the changes in the eating patterns of the Brazilian population in the last two decades, characterized by high consumption of saturated fat and sugars, as well as intake of foods low in dietary fiber⁵³53. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística(IBGE). Pesquisa de orçamentos familiares 2008-2009: análise do consumo alimentar pessoal no Brasil. Rio de Janeiro: IBGE; 2011.. If the sample loss observed in our study had been smaller or even absent, we believe that the dietary pattern would have been quite similar taking into account the homogeneity of the eating habits at the AFA.

The dietary intake pattern presented by the young cadets reveals that this population has adopted unhealthy food choices, represented by high intake of saturated fat- and sugar-rich foods; by low intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes and, in consequence, dietary fibers⁵5. Pasiakos SM, Karl JP, Lutz LJ, Murphy NE, Margolis LM, Rood JC, Cable SJ, Williams KW, Young AJ, McClung JP. Cardiometabolic Risk in US Army Recruits and the Effects of Basic Combat Training. PLoS One 2012; 7(2):1-7.. Research on food habits of 209 US young military revealed that they did not meet the recommendations relative to the optimal intake of total and saturated fat, fiber, fruits and vegetables⁵5. Pasiakos SM, Karl JP, Lutz LJ, Murphy NE, Margolis LM, Rood JC, Cable SJ, Williams KW, Young AJ, McClung JP. Cardiometabolic Risk in US Army Recruits and the Effects of Basic Combat Training. PLoS One 2012; 7(2):1-7.. Low consumption of dietary fiber has also been observed in military men of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in São Paulo, with only 2.3% of the population reporting consumption of dietary fiber food sources, according to the recommendation²¹21. Maria SHC. Estado nutricional e fatores associados em militares da Força Aérea Brasileira na cidade de São Paulo [dissertação]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas; Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade e Faculdade de Saúde Pública; 2011..

The results on the food intake of AFA cadets demonstrated an inadequate eating habits profile, as these young people had high intake of fatty food and low consumption of dietary fiber. Sigrist et al.⁵⁴54. Sigrist LD, Anderson JE, Auld GW. Senior military officers’ educational concerns, motivators and barriers for healthful eating and regular exercise. Mil Med 2005; 170(10):841-845. highlight that one contributing factor to inadequate food habits among the military is over-demanding activities in the service. Although some of them are aware of the importance of consuming healthy foods, they adopt less healthy pattern due to excessive activities and consequent lack of time. However, it seems that this pattern reflects more the habits of young adults and that joining the military career does not add healthier eating habits.

The inadequate dietary pattern among young adults observed in our study deserves attention from a public health viewpoint, since inadequate nutrition plays a key role on the incidence of obesity and other NCD, such as CVD. In this context, Crombie and coworkers⁵⁵55. Crombie AP, Funderburk LK, Smith TJ, McGraw SM, Walker LA, Champagne CM, Allen HR, Margolis LM, McClung HL, Young AJ. Effects of Modified Foodservice Practices in Military Dining Facilities on Ad Libitum Nutritional Intake of US Army Soldiers. J AcadNutr Diet 2013; 20(10):1-8. point out that higher impact related to the prevalence of obesity and overweight among US military is associated to eating habits, characterized by insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber⁵⁵55. Crombie AP, Funderburk LK, Smith TJ, McGraw SM, Walker LA, Champagne CM, Allen HR, Margolis LM, McClung HL, Young AJ. Effects of Modified Foodservice Practices in Military Dining Facilities on Ad Libitum Nutritional Intake of US Army Soldiers. J AcadNutr Diet 2013; 20(10):1-8..

Limitations of the study include the difficulty faced in the cadets recruitment, as a significant number of them did not complete the protocol of clinical and/or biochemical evaluations (n = 22) and 56 did not fill the form of food consumption. However, the quality of data collection must be emphasized, as it was conducted by a single researcher after prior training, thus minimizinginterviewer or secondary database bias.

We conclude that the results indicate significant prevalence of CVRF in AFA young cadets, especially hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, and poor eating habits, mostly independent of sex and year of graduation. This scenario highlights the presence of CVRF affecting younger individuals because of changes in the lifestyle of the Brazilian population.

Therefore, there is urgency in establishing nutrition and health education programs for the military population in order to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of CVRF in young adults, ensuring better life quality and reduction of long-term cardiovascular problems.

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