Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and effect of lifestyle in individuals without cardiovascular disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally and often go undetected. Modifiable risk factors for CVD include diet and physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the health status of Polish patients without a prior diagnosis of CVD, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), focusing on healthy dietary choices, dietary harm avoidance, daily routine, organized physical exercise, and social and mental balance (HLPCQ). The multicenter study involved patients without previous CVD, CKD, or diabetes, analyzing anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, heart rate, and laboratory test results. Participants also completed the HLPCQ questionnaire. The study included 836 patients, with a mean age of 48 ± 9.3 years. On the SCORE2 risk analysis, 173 (20.6%) met the criteria for very high risk. The average HLPCQ score was 65.6 ± 26.0. Regression analysis revealed that higher scores on the healthy food choices subscale correlated with lower serum non-HDL cholesterol levels (B = -0.009, SE = 0.003, t = -3.196, p = 0.001) and higher HDL cholesterol levels (B = 0.027, SE = 0.008, t = 3.529, p < 0.001). Similar correlations were observed with the Organized Exercise subscale. The study concluded that lifestyle choices significantly impact biochemical parameters, including blood lipid panels, highlighting the importance of educating both patients and medical professionals on the health impacts of lifestyle.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; HLPCQ; Lifestyle; Prevention; SCORE2.