Cardiovascular risk factors in men who contracted COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To verify the presence of risk factors for noncommunicable chronic diseases in men who contracted COVID-19. Methods: This is a quantitative study conducted between July 2022 and August 2025 with 1,634 men over 18 years old living in northern Paraná, Brazil. Data were collected through anamnesis, physical, anthropometric, and laboratory examinations, in addition to the Framingham Risk Score calculation. Results: Among the participants, 651 (39.8%) were infected, 39 (5.9%) required hospitalization, and 142 (21.8%) reported sequelae, mainly respiratory and neurological. A significant association was observed between hyperglycemia, elevated triglycerides, and a higher risk of hospitalization (p<0.05). Abdominal obesity was also associated with hospitalization. The most persistent symptoms were fatigue, dyspnea, and headache. Conclusion: Metabolic and lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption contributed to disease worsening and the development of sequelae. The results reinforce the importance of promoting men’s health and controlling chronic non-communicable diseases to reduce complications arising from COVID-19.