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Issues for cardiovascular disease risk factor development in Europe
G G De Backer1, L Maes, E Van de Mieroop
1Department of Public Health, University of Ghent, Belgium. guy.debacker@rug.ac.be
Preventive Medicine
|January 21, 2000
Summary
Early intervention in youth is key for cardiovascular disease prevention. Strategies in schools and communities can modify risk factors, establishing lifelong health behaviors and preventing future disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular disease prevention
- Public health interventions
- Youth health behaviors
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease risk factors and health behaviors are established in youth.
- Strong relationships exist between metabolic factors and health behaviors in young populations.
- Social and behavioral determinants significantly influence cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on cardiovascular disease risk factors in youth.
- To identify effective strategies for primordial prevention of cardiovascular risk.
- To highlight the role of social and behavioral determinants in early life.
Main Methods:
- Review of U.S. and European clinical trials and cardiovascular prevention studies.
- Analysis of intervention trial data from Europe.
- Examination of observational studies focusing on young populations.
Main Results:
- A strong association was found between cardiovascular disease risk factors in youth.
- Metabolic factors and health behaviors in youth are closely interrelated.
- Social and behavioral determinants of risk can be modified through community-based strategies.
Conclusions:
- Primordial prevention of cardiovascular risk factors is best achieved through early, comprehensive strategies.
- Interventions targeting schools, families, and communities are effective in modifying risk factors.
- Establishing healthy behaviors in youth provides a foundation for long-term cardiovascular health.