Cardiovascular disease in Greece; the latest evidence on risk factors

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) constitutes a significant health burden in Europe, responsible for nearly 45% of all deaths.
• Greece faces a high mortality rate from ischemic heart disease and stroke, linked to modifiable risk factors.
• Unfavorable trends in risk factors contribute to the growing CVD problem in Greece.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest evidence on major cardiovascular disease risk factors in Greece.
• To analyze trends in modifiable risk factors over the past two decades.
• To assess the impact of socioeconomic factors, like the Greek debt crisis, on CVD risk.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies from the last two decades.
• Analysis of trends in prevalence of key CVD risk factors.
• Examination of dietary habits, physical activity, smoking, and socioeconomic influences.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity has remained stable or increased.
• A decrease in active smokers and an increase in physical activity are observed.
• Adoption of unhealthy dietary habits, moving away from the Mediterranean diet, is noted, exacerbated by the Greek debt crisis.
• While CVD mortality remained stable during the financial crisis, cardiovascular event incidence is increasing.
• Factors like medication affordability, healthcare deficiencies, and rising depression prevalence may worsen the situation.

Conclusions:

• Continued effort is required to manage established and emerging CVD risk factors in Greece.
• Addressing unhealthy dietary shifts and socioeconomic challenges is crucial for CVD prevention.
• Public health strategies must adapt to evolving risk factor landscapes and economic pressures.