Cumulative Effect of Psychosocial Factors in Youth on Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

Date Published: 
January 2015
Researcher(s): 
Pulkki-Raback, L, Elovainio, M, Hakulinen, C, Lipsanen, J, Hintsaen, M, Jokela, M, Kubzansky, L, Hintsa, T, Serlachius, A, Laitinen, TT, Pahkala, K, Viikari, J, Raitakari, OT, & Keltikangas-Jarvinen, L
Abstract: 

Researchers used data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study to investigate whether psychosocial factors in youth predict ideal cardiovascular health in adulthood. Ideal cardiovascular health is a new metric defined by the American Heart Association as part of its 2020 Impact Goals. Psychosocial factors in youth were comprised of socioeconomic factors, emotional factors, parental health behaviors, stressful events, self-regulation, and social adjustment. Researchers found a positive association between a higher number of positive psychosocial factors in youth and greater ideal cardiovascular health index in adulthood, even when adjusting for age, sex, medication use, and cardiovascular risks in childhood.

Health Assets: 
Cardiovascular Health, Food Consumption, Healthy Lifestyles, Physical Activity, Psychological Well-being, Self-regulation, Smoking Status, Social Support
Health Conditions: 
Cardiovascular Health, Cholesterol (LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides)
Positive Health Type: 
Functional, Subjective
RWJF Grant-Funded: 
Yes