HEALTHY LIFE STYLE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AWARENESS AMONG ADOLESCENTS FROM THE CAPITAL OF BULGARIA

Objective: Bulgaria is still in the red zone for cardio-vascular morbidity and mortality due to the unhealthy life style. We represent the preliminary results of a pilot program called “120/80. Choose the number of the heart” of the Sofia municipality. Aim of the program is to increasing the cardio-vascular disease awareness and healthy style of living among adolescents. Design and method: This is cross-sectional study and included 684 citizens of Sofia, who fulfilled questionary for cardiovascular diseases and style of living. Blood pressure was measured in with standardized method and machine. Adolescents (age from 15 till 25 y.o.) are 168 (24,6%) from the studied group. Mean age of adolescents is 22 y., female 97 (57.7%). About 1/3 (36.9%) of adolescents are well educated with highest degree or studying at university. The campain is supported by Sofia capital municipality and Assosiation of the Medical students in Bulgaria. Results: Only 4 adolescents knew about abnormal high blood pressure. Our measurement show 25 (14.9%) with BP >140/90mmHg and 3 of them with systolic BP more than 160mmHg. Only 17,3% knew about their cholesterol levels and one adolescent with known FH. Just 20,2% are aware about blood glucose and 3 of them are with known diabetes. About 27% of adolescents have physical activity less than 30 min per day. Not more than 70% eat fruits of vegetables daily and les than 1/5 of them eat more 3 times per day. Every second adolescent ad salt before tasting the food. Alcohol consumption is high- 58.3% and half of them drink more than 50 ml per day. Smoking (including viping) is in 41.7% and only 6 of adolescents are exsmokers. Conclusions: Cardiovascular diseases are main cause for morbidity and mortality among Bulgarian citizens. Adolescents in the capital of Bulgaria have not satisfied level of disease awareness, bad habits like smoking, drinking and less physical activities. Health education in adolescent is key for cardiovascular prevention.