The CESCAS Study

¡¡ WELCOME TO CESCAS !!

CESCAS is the first long-term follow-up study to provide information about the cardiovascular health of Southern Cone populations (Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay)

This research study is coordinated by Argentina’s Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS) through the Southern America Center of Excellence of Cardiovascular Health (CESCAS). The institutions that take part in the study are Marcos Paz City Hall, Argentina’s Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Chile’s Universidad de la Frontera, Uruguay’s Universidad de la República, and Tulane University from the United States.

The CESCAS study began in 2009 and has received financial support from the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and Canada’s International Development Research Center  (IDRC).

Study Characteristics:

  • STUDY DESIGN: POPULATION-BASED PROSPECTIVE COHORT study

  • DATE: 2009-ONGOING

  • STUDY POPULATION: MULTISTAGE RANDOM SAMPLING; MORE THAN 7,500 MEN AND WOMEN BETWEEN 35 AND 74 YEARS OLD

  • LOCATION: FOUR SOUTHERN CONE CITIES: MARCOS PAZ, BARILOCHE (ARGENTINA), TEMUCO (CHILE), AND PANDO-BARROS BLANCOS-COLONIA NICOLICH (URUGUAY).

Objective

To assess the prevalence, incidence, and distribution of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer in the general population. CESCAS is also aimed at assessing the characteristics of the built environment regarding exercise and eating habits.

Among other things, study results will allow us to know the role played by individual and environmental risk factors in the foregoing diseases.

Why is it important to conduct this type of study in Latin America?

At present, we only have a limited knowledge of the long-term effect of those risk factors. CESCAS participants’ health is followed up to assess the actual clinical, health, social, and economic impact of the risk factors for CVD, COPD, and cancer in the Southern Cone.

CESCAS information is essential to develop more effective preventive strategies to improve people’s health.