Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
Correlates of ideal cardiovascular health in European adolescents: The HELENA study
P Henriksson1, H Henriksson2, I Labayen3
1PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Spain; Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
Insights
Younger European adolescents with higher maternal education and less screen time had better ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH). Early interventions promoting healthy lifestyles are crucial for adolescent cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH) comprises 4 health behaviors and 3 health factors.
- Greater iCVH in adolescence correlates with better long-term cardiovascular health.
- Correlates of iCVH in European adolescents remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlates of ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH) in European adolescents.
- To identify factors associated with achieving more iCVH components in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 637 European adolescents in the HELENA study.
- Investigated correlates including age, sex, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors.
- Employed a cross-sectional, multicenter design across 9 European countries.
Main Results:
- Younger adolescents exhibited more iCVH components than older adolescents.
- Higher maternal education was associated with greater iCVH.
- Less daily television viewing (<2 hours) correlated with more iCVH components.
Conclusions:
- Early promotion of cardiovascular health behaviors in adolescence is important.
- Limiting television viewing may enhance iCVH in adolescents.
- Public health initiatives should consider socioeconomic status and tailor interventions for families with lower educational attainment.
Background And Aims:
The ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH) construct consists of 4 health behaviors (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity and diet) and 3 health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting glucose). A greater number of iCVH components in adolescence are related to better cardiovascular health, but little is known about the correlates of iCVH in adolescents. Thus, the aim of the study was to examine correlates of iCVH in European adolescents.
Methods And Results:
The study comprised 637 European adolescents with complete iCVH data. Participants were part of the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study, a cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted in 9 different European countries. Correlates investigated were sex and age, family affluence scale, maternal education, geographic location, sleep time, television viewing, duration of pregnancy, birth weight and breastfeeding. Younger adolescents, those whose mothers had medium/high education or those who watched television less than 2 h per day had a greater number of iCVH components compared to those who were older, had a mother with low education or watched television 2 h or more daily (P ≤ 0.01).
Conclusion:
Since in our study older adolescents had worse iCVH than younger adolescents, early promotion of cardiovascular health may be important. Future studies may also investigate the usefulness of limiting television viewing to promote iCVH. Finally, since adolescents of mothers with low education had poorer iCVH, it may be of special interest to tailor public health promotion to adolescents from families with low socioeconomic status.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...