The prevalence of reversible cardiovascular risk factors in Israelis aged 25-55 years

Background: Coronary heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early detection of cardiovascular risk factors and intervention may raduce consequential morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of reversible and treatable cardiovascular risk factors among 26,477 healthy Israeli adults: 23,339 men and 3138 women aged 25-55 years. Methods: We collected data during routine examinations performed as part of a screening program for Israel Defense Force personnel. Results: The three most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors were a sedentary lifestyle (64%), dyslipidemia (55.1%) and smoking (26.8%). Overall, 52.9% of the men and 48.4% of the women had two or more cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, 52.4% of young adult men and 43.3% of young adult women, age 25-34 years, had two or more reversible cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: In this expectedly healthy population there was a high prevalence of reversible and treatable cardiovascular risk factors in both genders and in young ages. These observations stress the need for routine health examinations and lifestyle modification programs even in the young healthy Israeli population.