Cardiovascular disease in Greece; the latest evidence on risk factors.

Cardiovascular disease in Greece; the latest evidence on risk factors. Hellenic J Cardiol. 2018 Oct 12;: Authors: Michas G, Karvelas G, Trikas A Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant and ever-growing problem in Europe, accounting for nearly 45% of all deaths and leading to significant morbidity. Greece is one of the European Union member states that top the list of deaths due to ischemic heart disease and stroke, a fact that is mainly attributed to unfavorable changes in modifiable risk factors. The aim of this review is to examine the latest evidence on the most important CVD risk factors. According to studies conducted during the last two decades, the prevalence of arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity remained relatively stable or increased. The decrease in the prevalence of active smokers and the increase in physical activity, during the last few years, are the main favorable risk modifications in the Greek population. Nevertheless, citizens of Greece seem to gradually adopt unhealthy dietary habits moving away from Mediterranean diet, something that is intensified after the outbreak of the Greek debt crisis. Furthermore, the inability of some patients to afford their medications and the possible healthcare deficiencies, as well as the increasing prevalence of depression may make things even worse. During the financial crisis, CVD mortality seems to have remained unaffected b...
Source: Hellenic Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Tags: Hellenic J Cardiol Source Type: research