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.