Cardiovascular risk factors: Belgian target achievement

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Effective management of modifiable risk factors is crucial for CVD prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the achievement of therapeutic targets for key modifiable CVD risk factors in Belgium.
• To evaluate the implementation of European guidelines for CVD prevention in Belgian clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A non-systematic review of data from four Belgian studies (EURIKA, OPTIMISE, EUROASPIRE III, INTEGO).
• Assessment of target achievement for dyslipidaemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycaemia, smoking, and physical inactivity.
• Evaluation based on guidelines applicable at the time of each study.

Main Results:

• Poor control of major CVD risk factors was observed in patients with established CVD and those at high risk.
• Suboptimal implementation of European guidelines contributed to incomplete target achievement.
• Challenges included insufficient lifestyle modifications and inadequate drug therapy for blood pressure, lipids, and glucose.

Conclusions:

• Clear evidence indicates widespread failure to achieve targets for major CVD risk factors in Belgium.
• There is a critical need for more comprehensive and intensive application of European guidelines for CVD prevention.
• Enhanced strategies are required to improve the management of cardiovascular risk in the Belgian population.