Current advances in the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

The increase of cardiovascular diseases, together with the high costs it bears, has showed the necessity of a renewal in the approach to the reduction of cardiovascular risks in arterial hypertension. The authors carried out a bibliographic review of the main articles published in PubMed, Scielo and MEDLINE, both in English and in Spanish, on the theme of cardiovascular risk factors.  Despite the achievements reached, the reduction of the cardiovascular diseases through the modification of life styles is still a challenge.  Most patients are still leading an inadequate life style, and less than 1 % of the population complies with the seven essential points measuring a healthy life.   Cardiovascular health requires a wide approach for eliminating the risk factors on the bases of the promotion of healthy behaviors for the life; it needs an enormous effort of the local government, health authorities, and mainly of the local health teams.