Cardiovascular risk factor detection rate in students based on survey data
https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2026-4654
EDN: OSCBTZ
Abstract
Aim. To assess the frequency, structure, and combination of cardiovascular risk factors in university students.
Material and methods. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 446 first-year students of a technical university. The questionnaire assessed the following cardiovascular risk factors: smoking, family history of hypertension, low fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity level, salt intake, and alcohol consumption.
Results. Following unfavorable behavioral risk factors are highly prevalent among first-year university students: low fruit and vegetable consumption (43%), excessive salt intake (40%), and insufficient physical activity (33%). A quarter of these cases are associated with a family history of hypertension.
Conclusion. The online survey is an effective tool for reaching young people and demonstrates a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among students, consistent with previous studies in these cohorts, including large epidemiological data. Young people with a history of high blood pressure require close attention to primary cardiovascular disease prevention, as they are more likely to experience individual risk factors and their combinations.
About the Authors
O. A. Ivanova
Irkutsk State Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education — Branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yubileiny District, 100, Irkutsk, 664049
S. G. Kuklin
Irkutsk State Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education — Branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yubileiny District, 100, Irkutsk, 664049
A. L. Polovyan
Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Lermontov str., 83, Irkutsk, 664074
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What is already known about the subject?
- Adverse behavioral patterns develop at a young age.
- Limited data are available on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among university students.
- The observed worldwide trend is associated with an increasing prevalence of hypertension among young adults.
What might this study add?
- The incidence of identified cardiovascular risk factors among university students is similar to that observed in the adult population, necessitating active preventive measures at an earlier age.
- If young people have a history of high blood pressure, there is a high probability of a combination of unfavorable behavioral factors that multiply their cardiovascular risk, requiring close medical attention.
Review
For citations:
Ivanova O.A., Kuklin S.G., Polovyan A.L. Cardiovascular risk factor detection rate in students based on survey data. Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention. 2026;25(4):4654. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2026-4654. EDN: OSCBTZ
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