A new study by France’s public health agency reveals that only 11% of the population maintains optimal cardiovascular health, with significant disparities observed across gender and socioeconomic status.
The study found that the rate dropped to just 4% among individuals with a secondary education, while 21% of those with higher education levels were in good heart health.
“This important work confirms the major public health burden of [cardiovascular and neurovascular disease] on healthcare in France,” said Dr. Caroline Semaille, the director general of Public Health France. Cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases were the second leading cause of death in the country in 2022. Dr. Semaille also highlighted two key concerns: ongoing inequalities in health outcomes and the concerning decline in women’s health.
Women, particularly those aged 45 to 64, are increasingly adopting behaviors detrimental to their health, including higher smoking rates and greater physical inactivity. The study revealed that 47% of women failed to meet recommended physical activity levels, compared to 29% of men. Women were also found to be less frequently hospitalized in intensive care but suffered from more severe complications, with higher early mortality rates.
The study, which used the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 score to assess heart health, emphasized the importance of adopting healthier behaviors, early diagnosis, and managing modifiable risk factors to reduce the impact of preventable diseases. The seven metrics used to calculate cardiovascular health include smoking status, body weight, physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose, with sleep recently added as an eighth metric.
To improve heart health, experts recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise per week (or 75 minutes if the activity is intense), a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and monitoring cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
