Over the past five years, the PERSEAS research team has been conducting research on cardiovascular disease in Elafonissos.

The aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, risk factors and methods of prevention in the island’s population.

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for almost one-third of all deaths globally. In Greece, CVD is the most common cause of death and disability, with coronary heart disease being the leading cause.

Elafonissos, a small island in Greece, has a population of approximately 1000 people and little research has been conducted on the prevalence of CVD and its risk factors in this population.

Methods

The PERSEAS research team used a cross-sectional study design to investigate the prevalence of CVD in the population of Elafonissos. The study population included all adults aged 18 years and above living on the island.

A total of 500 participants were recruited for the study.

Data was collected through a combination of questionnaires, physical measurements and laboratory tests. The questionnaires were designed to collect information on demographic factors, lifestyle habits, medical history and family history of CVD.

Physical measurements included blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). Laboratory tests included lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) and glucose levels.

Results

The results of the PERSEAS study showed that the prevalence of CVD in the population of Elafonissos was 16%. The most common type of CVD was coronary heart disease (9%), followed by stroke (4%) and heart failure (3%).

In terms of risk factors, the study found that 52% of the population had hypertension, 39% had dyslipidemia and 20% had diabetes.

The study also found that lifestyle habits such as smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet were prevalent in the population.

More than half of the participants (54%) reported smoking cigarettes, 75% reported low physical activity and 71% reported consuming unhealthy diets.

The PERSEAS study identified several factors associated with an increased risk of CVD. These included older age, male gender, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes.

Participants with a family history of CVD were also found to be at an increased risk of the disease.

Prevention

Based on the findings of the PERSEAS study, it is clear that there is a need for effective prevention strategies for CVD in the population of Elafonissos.

The study identified several modifiable risk factors that could be targeted in prevention efforts, including smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet.

Effective prevention strategies could include public health campaigns to promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking cessation programs, increased physical activity and dietary education.

Population-based health interventions, such as screening programs and health check-ups, could also be implemented to identify and manage risk factors in the population.

Conclusion

The PERSEAS study has provided valuable insights into the prevalence of CVD and its risk factors in the population of Elafonissos.

The study highlights the need for effective prevention strategies in the population to reduce the burden of CVD and improve overall health outcomes. The findings of this study could be used to inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of CVD in the island’s population.