Introduction: Addressing a gap in biomedical research, this study establishes a cardiovascular risk profile for a traditionally underserved population - young adults aspiring to join the Portuguese army. Understanding both physical determinants and lifestyle behaviours enables predictions about adolescent health outcomes and the long-term effects of specific risk factors. Objective: The study aims to examine the physical and behavioural risk factors affecting young adults’ health and predict their long-term outcomes. It focuses on analysing the anthropometric profile, smoking prevalence, physical activity levels, and family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease among young populations. By evaluating alcohol consumption patterns and sleep habits, and their correlations with lifestyle risks like smoking and physical inactivity, the study intends to offer a comprehensive view on the determinants impacting cardiovascular and overall health, underscoring the necessity for early intervention strategies to ensure healthy aging. Methods: In this observational, retrospective-descriptive study, we analysed 552 young individuals (472 males, 80 females; average age 21.2 ± 1.9 years) for factors such as overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, blood pressure, glucose levels, dyslipidaemia, family health history, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality. Results: Critical findings include a 39% prevalence of elevated blood pressure, with intensive exercisers displaying lower diastolic pressures compared to sedentary peers. Poor sleep quality was identified in 5.1% of participants, and those sleeping under 6 h exhibited higher systolic pressures. Smoking was noted in 11% of the sample, influencing sleep latency negatively. Dyslipidaemia was present in notable percentages (total cholesterol: 12%; LDL: 14%), and 50% reported alcohol consumption, with significant distinctions in usage patterns between genders. Conclusions: The prevalent risk factors among young adults, particularly concerning dyslipidaemia and blood pressure, highlight the urgent need for targeted preventative measures starting at an early age. The substantial alcohol consumption and sleep pattern findings further emphasize the critical role of comprehensive health education and intervention programs in mitigating cardiovascular disease risks, paving the way for healthier future generations.

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Early Detection of Risk Factors in Young People: Promoting Sustainable Health for Healthy Ageing

  • Lucinda Sofia A. Carvalho,
  • Damián Sánchez Quintana,
  • Yolanda Gañan Presmanes

摘要

Introduction: Addressing a gap in biomedical research, this study establishes a cardiovascular risk profile for a traditionally underserved population - young adults aspiring to join the Portuguese army. Understanding both physical determinants and lifestyle behaviours enables predictions about adolescent health outcomes and the long-term effects of specific risk factors. Objective: The study aims to examine the physical and behavioural risk factors affecting young adults’ health and predict their long-term outcomes. It focuses on analysing the anthropometric profile, smoking prevalence, physical activity levels, and family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease among young populations. By evaluating alcohol consumption patterns and sleep habits, and their correlations with lifestyle risks like smoking and physical inactivity, the study intends to offer a comprehensive view on the determinants impacting cardiovascular and overall health, underscoring the necessity for early intervention strategies to ensure healthy aging. Methods: In this observational, retrospective-descriptive study, we analysed 552 young individuals (472 males, 80 females; average age 21.2 ± 1.9 years) for factors such as overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, blood pressure, glucose levels, dyslipidaemia, family health history, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality. Results: Critical findings include a 39% prevalence of elevated blood pressure, with intensive exercisers displaying lower diastolic pressures compared to sedentary peers. Poor sleep quality was identified in 5.1% of participants, and those sleeping under 6 h exhibited higher systolic pressures. Smoking was noted in 11% of the sample, influencing sleep latency negatively. Dyslipidaemia was present in notable percentages (total cholesterol: 12%; LDL: 14%), and 50% reported alcohol consumption, with significant distinctions in usage patterns between genders. Conclusions: The prevalent risk factors among young adults, particularly concerning dyslipidaemia and blood pressure, highlight the urgent need for targeted preventative measures starting at an early age. The substantial alcohol consumption and sleep pattern findings further emphasize the critical role of comprehensive health education and intervention programs in mitigating cardiovascular disease risks, paving the way for healthier future generations.