Chart 3. Screening of risk factors for cardiovascular disease according to the Ministry of Health.

Risk factor	Recommendation	Comments
Dyslipidemia	Screening from 45 years of age in women at high risk for CVD	Screening intervals of every 4-6 years. Age to stop screening not well defined
Obesity	BMI calculation during visits to health services	If BMI changed, plan individual or group behavioral intervention with advice on diet and exercise Waist circumference ≥ 89 cm is considered high and indicative of higher cardiovascular risk
Diabetes mellitus	If there are no risk factors, screen from age 45 with no defined periodicity (possibly every 3-5 years).	Glycosylated hemoglobin (%) Normal: <5.7 Glucose intolerance: 5.7 to 6.4 Diabetes: ≥ 6.5 Fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) Normal: <100 Glucose intolerance: 100 to 125 Diabetes ≥ 126
Arterial hypertension	Screening in adults (>18 years). Frequency not established	Obtain measurements outside the hospital or clinical setting to confirm the diagnosis. > two measurements on two or more visits over a period of one or more weeks
Smoking	Questioning about tobacco use for all adults.	Brief five-step approach (the five A's): 1. Address the use of tobacco; 2. Advise quitting through a clear and personalized message; 3. Assess willingness to quit smoking; 4. Offer assistance to quit; 5. Arrange conditions for patient follow-up and support.

CVD: cardiovascular disease; BMI: body mass index.

Source: Ministry of Health. 23