Abstract

Objectives: The public health measures for COVID-19 disrupted daily life and health behaviors worldwide. Although mobility restrictions were non-mandatory in Uruguay, extended social distancing likely influenced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This study aimed to assess changes in self-reported cardiovascular risk factors in Uruguayan adults before and during the pandemic. Study design: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted among Uruguayan adults using a convenience sample. Methods: Participants self-reported CVD risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and sedentarism) for pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Wilcoxon tests, and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression (AOR) to identify associations and predictors of CVD risk factor incidence. Results: Among 608 participants (68.97% female, median age 42 years), hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, sedentary behavior and the median of BMI increased significantly during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed age >45, obesity, depression during COVID-19, lower education, and non-married status as significant predictors of increased CVD risk factor incidence. Depression was strongly associated with smoking initiation (AOR = 6.25), diabetes (AOR = 7.66), and dyslipidemia (AOR = 8.21). Participants with pre-pandemic obesity had higher odds of developing hypertension (AOR = 5.83), diabetes (AOR = 5.62), and dyslipidemia (AOR = 2.82). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated key cardiovascular risk factors in Uruguay’s adult population, likely due to lifestyle changes, stress, and reduced physical activity. Addressing physical inactivity, mental health, and modifiable lifestyle factors is urgently needed to mitigate the long-term impact on cardiovascular health in the post-pandemic era.