Effective Management of Lifestyle Factors Crucial in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Burden

Strategic Insights -

New research emphasizes the significance of implementing effective management of lifestyle factors in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to a study from Harokopio University, Greece, the stagnated cost of CVD can be diminished with tailored programs focusing on managing lifestyle patterns, especially in individuals older than 45 years-old.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study evaluated the number of CVD cases that would be prevented in males and females, and in younger and older participants if specific lifestyle patterns were managed.
  • The sample consisted of 1,988 individuals from the ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022), who were initially free-of-CVD.
  • The research found that a lifestyle pattern comprising low/middle socio-economic status, urban residence, at least one clinical, psychological, and unhealthy lifestyle factor was associated with a population attributable fraction (PAF) of 82%; 8 out of 10 CVD cases would have been prevented if all these factors had been completely managed in the sample.
  • PAF varied between 69% and 80% when participants had all 5 factor categories, but were healthy or of high socio-economic status, respectively.
  • The study concluded that tailored programs focusing on managing lifestyle patterns could significantly reduce the increased burden of CVD, especially in individuals older than 45 years-old.

Statistics:

  • 1,988 individuals from the ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022) were evaluated in the study.
  • 49.7% of the sample were male, and the mean age was 45 ± 14 years.
  • 8 out of 10 CVD cases would have been prevented if all lifestyle factors had been completely managed in the sample.
  • PAF ranged from 69% to 80% when participants had all 5 factor categories, but were healthy or high socio-economic status, respectively.

Sources:

  • Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2025;12:1551020
  • Frontiers Media Sa, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland
  • Harokopio University, Dept. of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences and Education, Athens, Greece
  • Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, November 1, 2025; p 5983.