Introduction:

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide and scientific evidence suggests that they have an origin at early ages, so that diminishing from adolescence the risks that contribute to its emergence is essential.

Objective:

To determine cardiovascular risk in the adolescent population of a high school of Timbío, Cauca, 2015 - 2016.

Methodology:

Quantitative, descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Sample: 100 students (47 women, 53 men), from 10 to 19 years old. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, physiological, biochemical variables (glycemia), personal history, family history, lifestyles and use of oral contraceptives were evaluated.

Results:

A higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk was found in the adolescent age group (15-18 years) with 84.6%; female gender was more likely to have cardiovascular risk (OR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.17 - 6.87); 7% said they use tobacco regularly and 12% are passive smokers. It was obtained that 26% ingested alcoholic beverages, with a higher prevalence between the ages of 15 to 18 years (OR: 19.4, 95% CI 2.45-48.11); In terms of physical activity, 79% practiced it extracurricularly. Presenting unhealthy eating habits generates greater cardiovascular risk (OR: 5.57, 95% CI 1.95 - 15.90). 67% (n = 67) have cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions:

The female gender, the adolescent group (15-18 years), drink alcoholic beverages and unhealthy eating habits, are associated with a greater possibility of having cardiovascular risk. It was found in a large percentage of the study population cardiovascular risk.