Cardiovascular Health Assessment in Artisanal Divers in the Lagos Region, Chile

<strong>Foundation:</strong> cardiovascular health plays a crucial role in the functional capacity and overall well-being of individuals engaged in intense and prolonged physical activities, such as artisanal diving. Several studies highlight the importance of monitoring parameters such as blood pressure in artisanal divers. <br /><strong>Objective:</strong> to evaluate the cardiovascular health status of Chilean artisanal divers. <br /><strong>Methods:</strong> a study was conducted to assess the cardiovascular health of artisanal divers in southern Chile using a quantitative methodological approach that included blood pressure measurement, body mass index, and a health survey. Participants were selected using non-probability sampling. The focus was on active artisanal divers from specific coastal communities. Fifty-five divers were evaluated, with a mean age of 53.7 years (SD = 11.9 years). The data obtained from these measurements and surveys were recorded and stored in an Excel database and then analyzed using SPSS software. <br /><strong>Results:</strong> most of the evaluated divers had elevated blood pressure, suggesting a concerning prevalence of hypertension in this population. Furthermore, a high body mass index was observed in most individuals, which is an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease. <br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> the evaluated divers had elevated blood pressure, and a high body mass index was observed in most individuals, which is an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease.