Environmental and behavioural determinants of cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are currently the major cause of death in developed countries, and their percentage share in its rate is systematically and significantly increasing. Over twenty years – between 1990 and 2010 – the number of deaths from CVD increased by a third, and now it is estimated to represent about half of all deaths worldwide, with coronary heart disease and stroke being the two most common causes of loss of years of life. That is why CVD are a significant epidemiological problem. Therefore, determining the risk factors and ways of prevention is (and should remain) a task of high priority for the entire health care sector around the world, especially in the developed countries. The aim of this review is to summarize major environmental and behavioural determinants of cardiovascular health. The keywords “health, cardiovascular, determinants, environmental, behavioural” were used. Most of the articles broadened the knowledge about positive and negative impacts of behaviours on cardiovascular health. Physical activity, appropriate diet, cessation of smoking, and a correct body mass index, and thus the correct parameters such as lipid profile, blood pressure and fasting glucose levels, have a significant impact on improving health and life expectancy. In conclusion, CVD are currently among the most important international issues. During the past decades, remarkable progress has been made in understanding of their pathogenesis and risk factors. Therefore, the global efforts should be focused on healthy life-style promotion and particular attention should be paid to modifiable risk factors.