If Europe Lived the Same Lifestyle: Insights Into Cardiovascular Risk From the European Social Survey

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality across the European region. Despite marked regional variations, cross-national differences in underlying risk factors have received comparatively little attention. Objective: To use European Social Survey, a unique cross-European dataset, to examine regional patterns in prevalence and lifestyle risks. Methods: This study employs clustering analysis and nested logistic modelling. Counterfactual analysis was conducted to illustrate how lifestyle modifications could reduce risk. Results: The prevalence of heart problems was highest in Latvia (25.6 %, 95 % CI: 23.0 to 28.2), Lithuania (17.6 %, 95 % CI: 15.5 to 19.7), and Bulgaria (14.9 %, 95 % CI: 13.4 to 19.4). Regionally, heart problems were higher in Northern and Eastern Europe (15 % and 11.9 %) than Western and Southern Europe (10.8 % and 9.5 %). Among the risk factors, modelling emphasised the importance of modifiable factors including education, body mass index and physical activity. Conclusion: The results underline that cardiovascular disease is influenced by interrelated socioeconomic, environmental and lifestyle determinants. Public policy interventions could be targeted at those countries where greatest reductions are obtainable and concentrate on interventions on those lifestyle traits identified. The study utilised a social science dataset, thereby illustrating how multidisciplinary resources can benefit epidemiological research. © 2025