Overweight and obesity: a major challenge for coronary heart disease secondary prevention in clinical practice in Europe

• Published in: European heart journal Vol. 21; no. 10; pp. 808 - 813
• Main Authors: Montaye, M., De Bacquer, D., De Backer, G., Amouyel, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.05.2000
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiology. Vascular system; coronary artery disease; Coronary Disease - epidemiology; Coronary Disease - prevention & control; Coronary heart disease; EUROASPIRE; Europe - epidemiology; Female; Heart; height; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; nutritionist; obesity; Obesity - epidemiology; overweight; Prevalence; Risk Factors; secondary prevention; Europe; Human; Obesity; Nutrition disorder; Risk factor; Cardiovascular disease; Coronary heart disease; Nutritional status
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1053/euhj.1999.1854

Aims To evaluate the management of overweight and obesity in coronary artery disease patients in Europe. Methods and Results The EUROASPIRE Study is a multicentre epidemiological study involving nine European countries. The major cardiovascular risk factors and their management were collected from hospital records and measured at least 6 months after hospitalization during a specific interview. A total of 4863 consecutive records from men and women with coronary artery disease, under 71 years of age, were reviewed. Interviews were obtained for 3569 (73%). Body mass index was computed from height and weight noted in the medical records and measured at interview. Management of overweight and obesity was recorded at interview. At least 6 months after hospitalization, 75% of women and 80% of men were overweight and 33% of women and 23% of men were obese. Height noted in medical records was over-estimated, inducing an under-estimation of obesity in 16% of men and 33% of women. Advice from a nutritionist was offered in less than 20% of obese patients. The same trends were observed in all participating countries. Conclusions Prevalences of overweight and obesity are high in coronary artery disease patients in Europe. A systematic measurement of height and weight is a prerequisite to a better management of this common modifiable risk factor.