Determinants of attaining and maintaining a low cardiovascular risk profile--the Doetinchem Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention relies on maintaining a low-risk profile.
• Few individuals sustain a low CVD risk profile throughout their lives.
• Understanding factors associated with low CVD risk profile attainment and maintenance is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate demographic, lifestyle, psychological factors, and family history associated with achieving and maintaining a low cardiovascular risk profile.
• To analyze these associations over three consecutive 5-year periods.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study of 6390 adults aged 26-65 years, with data collected from 1993-1997 to 2013.
• Participants were categorized based on ideal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, smoking status, and diabetes.
• Multivariable-adjusted modified Poisson regression and generalized estimating equations were used to analyze determinants of low risk profile.

Main Results:

• Younger age, female gender, and higher education were linked to a greater likelihood of attaining and maintaining a low-risk profile.
• Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, engaging in physical activity, and moderate alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher odds of achieving a low-risk profile.
• Specifically, each unit increase in Mediterranean diet score (RR: 1.09), any physical activity (RR: 2.17), and moderate alcohol intake (RR: 1.35) increased the likelihood of low risk attainment.

Conclusions:

• Healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and moderate alcohol consumption, are key determinants for achieving a low cardiovascular risk profile.
• These findings underscore the importance of promoting healthy behaviors for long-term cardiovascular health.
• Interventions targeting these lifestyle factors could improve population-level cardiovascular risk reduction.