Are we reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving the quality of life through preventive health care? : results of a population-based study in South Australia

This study investigated the achievement of lifestyle recommendations and use of preventive medication in people who 1) are obese, 2) or have metabolic risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and/or diabetes), 3) or have cardiovascular disease (CVD), 4) or are healthy, and the impact this preventive health care had on their 'Health-Related Quality of Life' (HRQoL). Cross-sectional survey conducted in 2015 with 2379 South Australian adults (57.1 Â± 14 years; 51.7% females). Physical (PCS) and mental components scores (MCS) of HRQoL were assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire. Although adequate fruit/vegetable intake was lower among individuals with CVD (29.8%; p = 0.049), this behaviour was associated with a better MCS. Adequate physical activity level was lower among those with metabolic risk factors (29.5%) or CVD (31.0%; p = 0.008), but independent of their clinical condition, this behaviour was associated with a higher PCS. Individuals with CVD were less likely to have adequate alcohol consumption (63.4%; p = 0.026), but those achieving this recommendation had poorer PCS. Non-smoking was similar in all groups (85%; p = 0.768) and was associated with a better MCS only among healthy individuals and those with CVD. In all the groups, individuals achieving all the lifestyle recommendations had a better PCS. Only 48.2% of individuals with CVD reported combined use of antithrombotic, antihypertensive, and antilipidemic drugs, but the use of these medications was not associated with HRQoL. In conclusion, the vast majority of individuals at risk of or with CVD did not achieve preventive recommendations, and only the adequacy of uptake of all recommended lifestyle behaviours showed consistent benefits for PCS and MCS.