Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Adults in the European Union: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Europe. The cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) with the greatest clinical impact are high blood pressure (HBP), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), smoking, overweight, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and sedentary lifestyle. The objective of this review was to compare the prevalence of the different CVRFs according to population-based studies conducted in the European Union. Methods: This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of CVRFs in the European Union. A comprehensive search strategy was employed, including databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using specific keywords related to cardiovascular risk factors, prevalence, and European countries. The quality of the reviewed studies was assessed using established criteria, categorising them as low, moderate, or high quality. Results: A total of 26 studies from Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden were included. The findings revealed considerable variability in the prevalence of CVRFs across the European Union, with overweight, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension being the most frequently reported. Prevalence rates varied notably by country, age group, and sample characteristics. The majority of the included studies were of moderate methodological quality, underscoring the need for more rigorous research to better support evidence-based policies and targeted health interventions. Conclusions: There are differences between the studies presented, ranging from the sex ratio, the age studied, to even the CVRFs included. This also means that the prevalence of each CVRF varies by country.