Świadomość wybranych czynników ryzyka chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego w populacji młodych osób

The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease is largely due to poor risk factors’ awareness among people, including adolescents. The aim of the stu­dy was to review on the level of knowledge among children and adolescents on cardiovascular risk factors. The level of perception about the poten­tial causes of cardiovascular disease varies enor­mously and depends on the origin, educational level and age of the subjects. The highest level of knowledge on risk factors is noted among pe­ople from large cities and medical students which does not necessarily influence the life style po­sitive changes among responders. For the young people smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity are the best known risk factors, while the least known risk factors are type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Education of children and adolescents on the cau­ses of cardiovascular disease should take place at an early age both at home and in schools. Only education of young people may potentially reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the fu­ture and reduce the number of premature deaths.