Key Points
- Evaluate long-term trends in lifestyle habits, risk factor management, and the use of cardioprotective pharmacotherapy among patients with coronary heart disease.
- Analyzed cross-sectional data from three consecutive EUROASPIRE surveys conducted between 1999 and 2013 across European centers.
- Tracked prevalence of lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, diabetes), blood pressure and lipid control, and rates of evidence-based medication use.
- Lifestyle factors worsened over time, characterized by rising rates of general obesity, central obesity, and diabetes, while persistent smoking rates remained stagnant.
- Blood pressure and lipid control improved but remained suboptimally managed across the survey periods.
- Overall utilization of evidence-based medications stalled, with the exception of increased prescription rates for high-intensity statins.
Structured PICO
PPopulationPatients with Coronary Heart Disease in Europe
OOutcomeTime trends in lifestyle, risk factor control, and use of evidence-based medications
Between 1999 and 2013, secondary prevention in European coronary patients showed concerning deteriorations in lifestyle factors and stalled medication uptake, highlighting a critical need for improved preventive cardiology programs.