Behavioral Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Disease Research Articles

Prevalence and perspective directions for correction of behavioral risk factors of cardiovascular diseases associated with unhealthy diet and low physical activity in young people

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. According to statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA), the prevalence of CVD among young people aged 20–39 years varies: 14.2% men, 9.7% women. Behavioral risk factors for CVD, in other words those related to lifestyle, include sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, overweight and obesity, and depression. These risk factors are modifiable and therefore there is great potential for reducing CVD risk through primary or secondary prevention. Young people are the most perspective group for primary prevention, since young people may be more susceptible to information influence. In addition to young people's awareness of CVD risk factors, the initial level of young people's readiness to make lifestyle changes plays a key role in reducing the risk of developing CVD.

Impact of Chronic Psychological Stress on Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and identification of its risk factors is pivotal in ensuring a lower socioeconomic burden on society. Psychological stress shows a strong causal link with CVD through the interaction of physiological and behavioral risk factors. Importantly, there is an association between the duration and level of stress and propensity for CVD. Chronic stress exerts its physiological effects through the release of glucocorticoids (GCs) such as cortisol, which subsequently promote proinflammatory effects, exacerbating atherosclerotic plaque development. Stress also exacerbates the secretion of cardiokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Elevated TNF-α is associated with endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis-mediated atherosclerotic plaque progression, with increased secretion as the duration of stress is extended. Stress-induced GC secretion also inhibits glucose uptake leading to hyperglycemia and consequent hyperinsulinemia. This increases an individual’s susceptibility to another CVD risk factor, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These risk factors are further exacerbated by the impact of chronic stress on behavior such as eating habits. Increased consumption of comfort foods, typically containing high fat and sugar contents, is directly associated with increased body mass index and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, both of which are well-known drivers of atherosclerosis. Moreover, chronic stress often results in reductions in physical activity, particularly in individuals at low baseline levels of activity. This further increases an individual’s susceptibility to obesity, T2DM, and increased LDL-cholesterol levels, all of which promote the development of CVD. This review outlines key research findings relating to the role chronic psychological stress plays in altering physiological and behavioral risk factors for CVD.

An agent-based model of the spread of behavioural risk-factors for cardiovascular disease in city-scale populations.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally, and is the second main cause of mortality in the UK. Four key modifiable behaviours are known to increase CVD risk, namely: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. Behaviours that increase the risk of CVD can spread through social networks because individuals consciously and unconsciously mimic the behaviour of others they relate to and admire. Exploiting these social influences may lead to effective and efficient public health interventions to prevent CVD. This project aimed to construct and validate an agent-based model (ABM) of how the four major behavioural risk-factors for CVD spread through social networks in a population, and examine whether the model could be used to identify targets for public health intervention and to test intervention strategies. Previous ABMs have typically focused on a single risk factor or considered very small populations. We created a city-scale ABM to model the behavioural risk-factors of individuals, their social networks (spousal, household, friendship and workplace), the spread of behaviours through these social networks, and the subsequent impact on the development of CVD. We compared the model output (predicted CVD events over a ten year period) to observed data, demonstrating that the model output is realistic. The model output is stable up to at least a population size of 1.2M agents (the maximum tested). We found that there is scope for the modelled interventions targeting the spread of these behaviours to change the number of CVD events experienced by the agents over ten years. Specifically, we modelled the impact of workplace interventions to show that the ABM could be useful for identifying targets for public health intervention. The model itself is Open Source and is available for use or extension by other researchers.

Food and Cardiovascular Disease: What to Eat and What Not to Eat

In 2019, the Global Burden of Disease study revealed alarming statistics regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Pakistan. The estimated age-standardized incidence and death rates were 918.18 and 357.88 per 100,000 respectively, surpassing global averages.1 Notably, Pakistan faces unique challenges with a high prevalence of Rheumatic heart disease and early onset coronary artery disease.1
 The World Health Organization's 2021 factsheet underscores four pivotal modifiable behavioral risk factors for CVD and stroke: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. These behaviors manifest in individuals as elevated blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and adverse body mass index, exacerbating cardiovascular risk.2 In Pakistan, the consumption of unhealthy foods and excessive calories significantly contributes to adverse cardiometabolic profiles, including obesity and dyslipidemia.2
 Recent research, such as that by Daruish Mozaffain et al. in "Food is Medicine," advocates for food-based interventions tailored to individual health conditions, ranging from medically tailored meals to nutritional and culinary education.3 However, Pakistani patients with CVD face challenges due to the lack of localized guidelines, educational resources, and accessible nutritionists. Shah et al.'s review underscores the importance of providing clear and culturally relevant dietary guidance for the local population.4
 Addressing these challenges requires the development of high-quality, culturally sensitive educational materials. These resources should be readily understandable, pictorial, and integrated into both inpatient and outpatient care. Local experts, including dietitians and researchers, can play a crucial role in creating tailored educational content. Figures 1 exemplify the efforts of these experts to provide practical guidance to the Pakistani population.4
 In conclusion, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, easy-to-understand patient education resources catering to the unique nutritional needs of Pakistani individuals with cardiovascular disease. By addressing these gaps, we can empower patients to make informed dietary choices and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
 References
 
 Samad Z, Hanif B. Cardiovascular Diseases in Pakistan: Imagining a Postpandemic, Postconflict Future. Circulation. 2023;147(17):1261-3.
 Liaquat A, Javed Q. Current trends of cardiovascular risk determinants in Pakistan. Cureus. 2018;10(10):e3409.
 Mozaffarian D, Aspry KE, Garfield K, Kris-Etherton P, Seligman H, Velarde GP, et al. “Food Is Medicine” Strategies for Nutrition Security and Cardiometabolic Health Equity: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024;83(8):843-64.
 Shah SU, Waseem T, Afridi T, Shah MI. Nutritional Needs for Cardiovascular Health in Pakistani Population. Pak Heart J. 2022;55(2):101-13.
 American Heart Association. Lifestyle Changes for Heart Failure. Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/treatment-options-for-heart-failure/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-failure
 American Diabetes Association. What superstar foods are good for diabetes? Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/food-and-blood-sugar/diabetes-superstar-foods
 American Heart Association. The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations. Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
 American Heart Association. Managing Blood Pressure with a Heart-Healthy Diet. Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-blood-pressure-with-a-heart-healthy-diet

Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in staff of aboveground and underground rail transport in Moscow

Aim. To study modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among rail transport workers, depending on the place of work: Russian Railways and Moscow Metro.Material and methods. The study involved 2638 workers of locomotive crews: 778 persons worked at Russian Railways, 1860 — Moscow Metro. The workers were offered a questionnaire assessing general data, features of medical activity, and lifestyle. The collection and processing of data was carried out using Microsoft Excel and Statistica programs.Results. The studied groups were comparable in age structure. Slightly above 40% of respondents in both groups currently smoked, while ~70% did not eat enough vegetables. Workers of Russian Railways were 2 times more likely to drink alcohol ≥2 times a week and 1,2 times more likely to eat at fast food restaurants. Also, ~40% of participants in both groups often or always added salt to food, almost 20% did not engage in athletics. Workers of Russian Railways were less physically active. Moscow Metro workers ate less regularly and did not consume enough fruit. The average body mass index of both groups corresponded to overweight.Conclusion. The leading behavioral risk factors for CVD in rail transport workers are insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits, low physical activity, and smoking. The obtained results will allow to improve the guidelines for lifestyle modification of rail transport workers, to develop and refine corporate programs for primary CVD prevention.

Inequalities in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Brazilian slum populations: A cross-sectional study.

Social and environmental risk factors in informal settlements and slums may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study assesses the socioeconomic inequalities in CVD risk factors in Brazil comparing slum and non-slum populations. Responses from 94,114 individuals from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey were analysed. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme definition of a slum was used to identify slum inhabitants. Six behavioural risk factors, four metabolic risk factors and doctor-diagnosed CVD were analysed using Poisson regression models adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics. Compared to urban non-slum inhabitants, slum inhabitants were more likely to: have low (less than five days per week) consumption of fruits (APR: 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.07) or vegetables (APR: 1.08, 95%CI 1.05-1.12); drink four or more alcoholic drinks per day (APR: 1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.06); and be physically active less than 150 minutes per week (APR: 1.03, 95%CI 1.01-1.04). There were no differences in the likelihoods of doctor-diagnosed metabolic risk factors or CVD between the two groups in adjusted models. There was a higher likelihood of behavioural and metabolic risk factors among those with lower education, with lower incomes, and the non-White population. Brazilians living in slums are at higher risk of behavioural risk factors for CVD, suggesting local environments might impact access to and uptake of healthy behaviours.

Time trends in cardiovascular risk factors across levels of education in a general population

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Northern Norway Health Authority Background Favourable changes over time in population cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has not benefitted all socioeconomic groups equally. Social inequality in health also exists in high-income countries with an egalitarian welfare system. Purpose We aimed to study CVD risk factors across educational groups over time in a Norwegian general population. Methods We used multivariable linear regression and generalised estimating equation models with age-adjusted means and proportions to examine CVD risk (smoking, physical activity level, obesity [body mass index ≥30 kg/m2], blood pressure, total- and low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, and total risk of CVD [estimated 10-year risk with NORRISK 2]) across four levels of education: Primary/partly secondary up to 10 years of schooling, upper secondary, tertiary <4 years, tertiary ≥4 years in women and men aged 40-79 years attending a population-based study with two consecutive surveys in 2007-2008 (N=11,941) and 2015-2016 (N=20,322). Results In women, the difference between the lowest and the highest education level in risk factors in 2007-2008 versus 2015-2016 was for smoking 22.0 vs 19.2 percentage points (pp), obesity 8.7 vs 8.8 pp, sedentary physical activity level 10.5 vs 11.5 pp (p=0.012), systolic blood pressure 5.5 vs 3.4 mmHg (p=0.001), total cholesterol 0.2 mmol/L vs no difference (p<0.001), LDL cholesterol 0.3 vs 0.1 mmol/L (p<0.001), and total CVD risk 0.9 vs 1.8 (p<0.001), respectively. In men, the corresponding numbers were for smoking 20.1 vs 16.8 pp, obesity 9.9 vs 12.9 pp, sedentary physical activity level 10 vs 11.5 pp (p=0.027), systolic blood pressure 1.7 vs 1.7 mmHg, total cholesterol 0.2 mmol/L vs no difference (p<0.001), LDL cholesterol 0.1 mmol/L vs no difference (p<0.001), and total CVD risk 1.2 vs 0.9, respectively. No difference across educational levels and time regarding blood pressure or total- or LDL cholesterol in users of antihypertensives and lipid-lowering drugs was found, except for an educational difference in the first but not the second time period in female antihypertensive users. Conclusion We found a clinically relevant educational gap in CVD risk factors, with more favourable levels with higher education. Over time, the educational gap increased in physical activity in both sexes, and in total CVD risk in women. Further, the educational gap declined in blood lipids in both sexes, and in systolic blood pressure in women. While medication use seems to contribute to weaken the educational gradient in blood pressure and lipid levels, a stronger emphasis on lifestyle interventions is needed to reduce the educational inequalities in behavioural CVD risk factors.

Analysis of factors associated with arterial stiffness in the general working-age population

Aim. To examine associations of cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) with classical, behavioral and social risk factors (RFs) of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adult population.Material and methods. The study included 1365 people (women, 59%) from a representative sample aged 25-64 years (ESSE-RF), who underwent standard cardiology screening and volume sphygmography (VaSera-1500). All respondents signed an informed consent to participate in the study. The analysis included blocks of classical, social and behavioral risk factors for CVD. A linear model was used to identify associations. An error rate of <5% was considered significant.Results. Age, sex, systolic blood pressure (SBP), triglycerides were associated with higher CAVI values, and body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower values, respectively. After 45 years, a direct association with heart rate (HR) became increasingly important, while after 50 years — with diabetes and the intake of beta-blockers, while the association between diabetes and CAVI was observed only among individuals not taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. A direct association was found with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in men, and an inverse association with diuretics in women, respectively. A sedentary work in combination with a history of bronchitis or with positive family history for CVD showed a direct relationship, while a sufficient physical activity (PA) showed an inverse relationship with the studied indicator, but only among people with belowaverage income.Conclusion. According to the data obtained, in addition to age and sex, the following risk factors made a significant contribution to CAVI parameters in the examined population: BMI, SBP, triglycerides, diabetes, HR, intake of betablockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors; hsCRP, PA. The unfavorable role of betablockers, high HR, diabetes, sedentary work, chronic lung pathology, hereditary burden, as well as the protective role of ACE inhibitors, diuretics and intense PA in relation to arterial stiffness in the working-age population has been shown. Additional studies are needed to determine the nature of a number of associations. The results obtained may contribute to the study of CAVI role in risk stratification and further development of methodological approaches to CVD prevention.

Egocentric social network characteristics and cardiovascular risk among patients with hypertension or diabetes in western Kenya: a cross-sectional analysis from the BIGPIC trial

ObjectivesManagement of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an urgent challenge in low-income and middle-income countries, and interventions may require appraisal of patients’ social networks to guide implementation. The purpose of this...

A comparative study of cardiovascular disease risk among bus drivers and bus conductors of a state transport corporation in North Goa

Background: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move aboutBackground: Bus drivers and bus conductors are predisposed to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.Driving for long duration involves prolonged sitting, which enforces sedentary behavior among drivers in comparison to conductors who have the freedom to move about in the bus. The aim and objectives of the study were to identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors; to estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score and to study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study was a comparative cross-sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa. A pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and lipids was used to compare the CVD risk.Results: Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8% bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7% bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS- lipids, 65.7% bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3% bus conductors.Conclusions: The behavioral risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors. in the bus. Aims and objectives: 1) To identify selected risk factors for CVDs among bus drivers and bus conductors 2) To estimate the CVDs risk among them using Framingham risk score 3)To study the difference of risk factors and CVDs risk between bus drivers and conductors.Methods: The present study is a comparative cross sectional study among 105 bus drivers and 105 bus conductors at the Panaji bus depot of Goa. A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data along with anthropometric, clinical examination and blood investigations. The Framingham risk score with BMI and Lipids was used to compare the CVD riskResults:Higher percentage of bus drivers had diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. When the CVD risk was compared using the Framingham risk score, 63.8 % bus drivers had intermediate-high CVD risk using FRS-BMI compared to 46.7 % bus conductors and the difference is found to be significant. Using FRS-Lipids, 65.7 % bus drivers had intermediate-high risk compared to 53.3 % bus conductors.Conclusion: The behavioural risk factors for CVD were higher among bus drivers compared to bus conductors.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Vologda Oblast Districts

Relevance. There are large regional disparities in prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors, as well as in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality rates in Russian Federation (RF). Aim. To demonstrate the disparities in prevalence of CVD risk factors between Vologda Oblast districts. Materials and methods. Databases created in 2009 at the State-financed health institution of the Vologda Oblast «Vologda Regional Center for Medical Prevention», based on the results of a survey conducted within the framework of the World Health Organization CINDI program. CINDI questionnaire; cross-sectional study; the data was processed using R programming language and the Statistica software package 12. Results. The most common behavioral CVD risk factors in different Vologda Oblast districts included inadequate fruits and vegetables consumption (30–90%) and alcohol abuse (40–80%); hypertension (40–60%), overweight and obesity (30–55%) were the most frequent biological CVD risk factors; the most prevalent socio-economic risk factors included low education level (75–90%) and unemployment (20–40%). Participants residing in rural municipalities differed from urban okrugs (cities) dwellers in a higher prevalence of smoking (p < 0.01), alcohol abuse (p < 0.001), inadequate fruits and vegetables consumption (p < 0.0001), overweight and obesity (p < 0.05), unemployment (p < 0.0001), low education level (p < 0.0001), as well as a low overall assessment of their health (p < 0.05). Conclusions. We detected disparities in CVD risk factors prevalence between Vologda Oblast districts in 2009. Both behavioral and biological CVD risk factors were more common in participants from rural municipalities. The CVD risk factors distribution between the RF subjects’ districts requires further scientific research.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease Among Young Adults: Report From a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group.

Improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates among young adults in the past 2 decades have been offset by increasing racial/ethnic and gender disparities, persistence of unhealthy lifestyle habits, overweight and obesity, and other CVD risk factors. To enhance the promotion of cardiovascular health among young adults 18 to 39 years old, the medical and broader public health community must understand the biological, interpersonal, and behavioral features of this life stage. Therefore, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, with support from the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research, convened a 2‐day workshop in Bethesda, Maryland, in September 2017 to identify research challenges and opportunities related to the cardiovascular health of young adults. The current generation of young adults live in an environment undergoing substantial economic, social, and technological transformations, differentiating them from prior research cohorts of young adults. Although the accumulation of clinical and behavioral risk factors for CVD begins early in life, and research suggests early risk is an important determinant of future events, few trials have studied prevention and treatment of CVD in participants <40 years old. Building an evidence base for CVD prevention in this population will require the engagement of young adults, who are often disconnected from the healthcare system and may not prioritize long‐term health. These changes demand a repositioning of existing evidence‐based treatments to accommodate new sociotechnical contexts. In this article, the authors review the recent literature and current research opportunities to advance the cardiovascular health of today's young adults.

Уровень образования и факторы риска кардиоваскулярной патологии

The aim of the research is to assess the prevalence of traditional and behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among urban and rural residents of large industrial Siberian region, depending on education level. Material and methods. The study included 1600 people, aged 35-70, who are permanent residents of Kemerovo City and Kemerovo region. Considering the living conditions, two groups were formed. The first group included 1109 (69.3%) respondents living in the city and 491 (30.7%) respondents from countryside. The study analyzed such traditional and behavioral risk factors for CVD as body mass index (BMI), glucose levels, lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol of high and low density (LCLD), triglycerides), blood pressure, tobacco and alcohol consumption, etc. According to education level, the respondents were subdivided into the following categories: people with school education (primary education, secondary education), people with secondary specialized education (vocational school, technical schools, colleges) and people with higher education (higher educational institution). Results. Average BMI values (30.3 (26.1; 34.6) versus 28.4 (24.9; 32.3)) kg / m2, p&lt;0.001), systolic (135 (121.5; 151.0 ) versus 131.5 (119.0; 147.0)) mm Hg, p = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (89 (80.5; 97.5) versus 86.5 (78.0; 95, 0)) mm Hg, p&lt;0.001), LCLD (3.7 (2.9; 4.4) versus 3.5 (2.8; 4.2)) mmol / L, p = 0.008) were statistically significantly higher among people living in rural areas than among urban citizens. Higher education was associated with BMI decrease by 1.2 kg / m2 (p = 0.002), systolic blood pressure by 3.2 mm Hg (p = 0.002), and diastolic blood pressure by 2.1 mm Hg (p = 0.001). Moreover, people with such education were characterized by a decreased risk not only of obesity (OR = 0.6, 95% CI [0.5-0.8], p &lt;0.001), but also of arterial hypertension (OR = 0.7 , 95% CI [0.5-1.0], p &lt;0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.72, CI [0.53-0.98], p = 0.037), as well as by an increased risk of developing high level of LDL (OR = 1.36, CI [1.02-1.82], p = 0.038). When conducting a logistic regression analysis, after leveling the influence of gender and age, it was found that smoking was associated with lack of higher education (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.48-0.79, p &lt;0.001). Conclusion. Regardless of place of residence, maximum prevalence of obesity, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus was observed among people with secondary vocational education, while alcohol consumption was observed among people with higher education. Higher education was associated with a reduced risk of obesity, arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, smoking, and an increased risk of developing high levels of low-density lipoprotein

A multicomponent method assessing healthy cardiovascular urban environments: The Heart Healthy Hoods Index.

Previous studies have examined the built environment mostly focusing on a single exposure construct (e.g. walkability) to examine its association with health outcomes. This study developed a multicomponent Heart Healthy Hoods Index to characterize heart-healthy urban environments and examined its relationship with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Madrid, Spain. Using spatial methods, we generated two index models (model 0 unweighted and model 1 weighted) using the percentage of deaths for the main behavioral risk factors for CVD (diet, physical activity, alcohol, and tobacco environments). We performed global (Ordinal Least Square) and local (Geographically Weighed Regression) regression analyses to assess the relationship between both index models and CVD prevalence, and to identify the best index model. In the global analysis, both models showed a significant negative relationship with CVD prevalence. In the local analysis, Model 1 removed the spatial autocorrelation of residuals and showed the lowest values for the Akaike information criterion. This study provides evidence of a non-stationary relationship between the heart-healthy urban environment and CVD prevalence. The HHH index may be an effective tool to identify and prioritize geographical areas for CVD prevention.

Gender Differences in Associations Between Stress and Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Outcomes.

Psychological stress, a subjective perception of an adverse environmental change, is a hallmark of modern society. Although psychological stress has previously been established as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is unclear whether stress influences cardiovascular risk differently in men versus women. Gender disparities exist in the prevalence of stress as well as in the prevalence and prognosis of CVD; therefore, associations between stress and CVD risk and mortality may vary by sex. The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence from recent and landmark studies on gender differences in the associations of stress with CVD risk factors and end points and to highlight clinical and public health implications as well as future research directions in this field. Taken together, research to date indicates that while stress is associated with poorer cardiovascular health metrics in both men and women, the influence of stress on measures of glucose regulation and dyslipidemia and on overall CVD risk may be stronger among women. However, men may be more susceptible to the influence of stress on body adiposity, blood pressure, and CVD mortality. In terms of behavioral risk factors for CVD, associations between stress and diet quantity and quality appear to be stronger among women, but the influence of stress on sedentary behaviors and sleep may be stronger among men. Given that gender disparities exist in the prevalence of overall and different types of stress (eg, financial stress, caregiving stress, and occupational stress), future studies should decipher the potential differential associations between types of stress and cardiovascular risk among men and women to identify vulnerable populations and develop targeted interventions.

Symptoms of depression in young adulthood is associated with unfavorable clinical- and behavioral cardiovascular disease risk factors

Depression in young adults is a growing concern to public health. This study aims to investigate if depression status in young adults is related to clinical and behavioral cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Cross-sectional data from a population-based sample of young Danish adults participating in the European Youth Heart Study 2009–2010 were used to examine this (n = 644, mean age 24.3 years 47% male). Measures of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body composition, blood pressure, fasting levels of high and low density lipids (HDL, LDL), insulin, and glucose were obtained. Symptoms of depression were obtained using the Major Depression Inventory scale. Information on sleep disorders; drinking and smoking habits were obtained by questionnaires. Associations of depression with CVD risk factors were examined using logistic and linear regression adjusted for age and sex. Prevalence of mild-moderate-severe depression was 8.7% (5.6% males, 11.5% females). Significant sex differences were found in the association between several CVD risk factors and depression status. Women with depression had higher odds of overweight (OR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.01–4.0), abdominal adiposity (OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.2–4.8), low CRF (OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.2–5.5), insulin resistance (OR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.1–4.6), low HDL (OR = 2.0, 95%CI: 1.01–4.1) and high LDL (OR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.04–4.5) compared to women without depression. Men with depression had significantly increased odds of having high blood pressure and being smokers compared to men without depression (OR: 3.1, 95%CI: 1.1–8.8 and OR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.1–8.4, respectively). Depression symptoms in young adulthood were related to unfavorable clinical- and behavioral CVD risk factors, particularly in women.

Gender Differences in Associations between Insufficient Sleep and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Endpoints: A Contemporary Review

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States for both men and women. The increasing appreciation of the gender differences in behavioral and physiologic interconnectedness of cardiometabolic risk factors has led to a growing literature evaluating relationships between sleep—an integral part of overall health and a source of physiological resilience—in relation to CVD and its risk factors in male and female cohorts. This article reviews the published research related to gender differences in the role of insufficient sleep in the etiology of CVD. Evidence on gender differences in the associations between sleep and other behavioral risk factors for CVD, namely diet and physical activity, is in the nascent stages of characterization but suggests that insufficient sleep may have a more pronounced detrimental impact on the diets of women. The literature on gender differences in the role of insufficient sleep in inflammation, dyslipidemia, glycemic co...

Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Long-Term Care Workers.

Little is known about long-term care workers' cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Thus, the authors used baseline objective and subjective data from 98 long-term care staff participating in a worksite health promotion study to provide a comprehensive CVD assessment. The median age of the sample was 32 years ( SD = 13.38). Nine (12.2%) participants smoked and 27 (37.0%) participants reported exposure to secondhand smoke. The average nightly hours of sleep was 6.5 ( SD = 1.18), with 24 (32%) participants reporting sleeping at least fairly bad. Sixty-eight participants (73.1%) were overweight or obese. The median aerobic activity was 0 ( SD = 18.56). Participants ate on average 27 ( SD = 17.34) servings of high fatty and/or salty foods per week. Although blood pressure and cholesterol levels were within normal limits, this population demonstrated poor behavioral CVD risk factors. Given this finding and the young age of the sample, these workers may be ideal candidates for health promotion efforts before health risk factors are present.

Anxiety sensitivity in smokers with indicators of cardiovascular disease

There is growing recognition of the importance of understanding the nature of the associations between anxiety and cardiovascular disease (CVD), although limited research has examined mechanisms that may explain the anxiety-CVD link. Anxiety sensitivity (fear of anxiety-relevant somatic sensations) is a cognitive-affective risk factor implicated in the development of anxiety psychopathology and various behavioral risk factors for CVD, although has not been examined among individuals with CVD. Adult daily smokers (n = 619; 50.9% female; Mage = 44.0, SD = 13.67) completed an online survey that included the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The presence of CVD was assessed via the presence of ≥1 of the following: heart attack, heart murmur, positive stress test, heart valve abnormality, angina, and heart failure. Smokers with CVD indicators (n = 66, 10.7%) had significantly higher scores on the ASI-3 (M = 33.5, SD = 22.15), relative to smokers without CVD (M = 22.0, SD = 17.92; Cohen’s d = .57). Those with CVD were significantly more likely to have moderate or high anxiety sensitivity (66.7%) relative to those without CVD (49.4%). Physical and social concerns about the meaning of somatic sensations were common among smokers with CVD.

Magnitude of behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among college going young adults (18-25 years) in Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Background: Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet patterns increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Estimating the magnitude of behavioural risk factors is vital for planners and policy makers to formulate appropriate and locally suitable interventions. The objective of this study was to estimate the magnitude and pattern of behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among college students (medical, dental, pharmacy, engineering and arts and science colleges) in Mysuru.Methods:A cross sectional study was carried out among students of medical, dental, pharmacy, engineering and arts and science colleges in Mysuru using snow-balling technique. Based on CDC-BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Questionnaire developed by Metagenics, New Zealand, a self-administered questionnaire was developed according to the local cultural and food practices , which was used to collect information on dietary pattern, exercise pattern, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22) and P value of &lt;0.05 was considered as significant.Results: In the study, 45.8% of 970 study participants lead a sedentary lifestyle and 13.1% exercise in the gym regularly. Majority of students from Arts and Science College lead a sedentary lifestyle. Dietary pattern assessment revealed that 71% of the students consumed fried food frequently (highest among medical students - 82.4%). Medical and dental students also consumed the maximum amount of sweets i.e. 60.9% and 67.1% respectively. Non-vegetarian food was frequently consumed by 30% of medical and dental students.47% of the current smokers were MBBS students. 37.8% of the students who consumed alcohol admitted to binge drinking.Conclusions:Unhealthy behavioural risk factors for CVDs are higher among medical students, despite the fact that they know most about the detrimental effects of these practices. Developing strategies targeting these behavioural risk factors to improve the health status of college students play a crucial role in protecting the youth from cardiovascular diseases in future.