Lifestyle and Well-being: A New or a Neglected Issue in Atherosclerosis? A Position Paper of the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society Working Group on Lifestyle, Psychosocial Factors, and Atherosclerosis

Christos Lionis; Rena I. Kosti; Mary Yannakoulia; Christos Derdemezis; Evangelia Damigou

doi:10.4103/aptj.aptj_24_26

journal article Open Access Oct 01, 2025

Lifestyle and Well-being: A New or a Neglected Issue in Atherosclerosis? A Position Paper of the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society Working Group on Lifestyle, Psychosocial Factors, and Atherosclerosis

Christos Lionis Rena I. Kosti Mary Yannakoulia

Christos Derdemezis Evangelia Damigou

Journal of Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment Vol. 16 No. 4 pp. 147-152 · Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

View at Publisher Save 10.4103/aptj.aptj_24_26

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has a multifactorial origin, involving a range of genetic and environmental factors that have been extensively studied over recent decades. Behavioral aspects, namely dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, smoking behavior, and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress-related disorders, are modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors. Therefore, they represent key targets for CVD prevention and health promotion. The aim of this position is to highlight the importance of behavioral factors and positive well-being in the preventive CVD interventions and to propose strategies for effectively addressing these factors within the context of Greece. It reflects the views of the current board of the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society Working Group (WG) on Lifestyle, Psychosocial Factors, and Atherosclerosis. Lifestyle and well-being should be a high priority for healthcare policy-makers in Greece; it requires coordinated action among multiple stakeholders, including scientific and healthcare professional societies, and the implementation of interventions to improve guideline adherence, such as community health literacy initiatives and financial incentives linked to the food market or insurance systems. The role of this WG is to actively contribute to this important task.

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Details

Published: Oct 01, 2025
Vol/Issue: 16(4)
Pages: 147-152
License: View

Authors

C

Christos Lionis

Lab of Health and Society, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Psychology, University of Limassol, Limassol, Cyprus

R

Rena I. Kosti

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece

M

Mary Yannakoulia

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, Athens, Greece

C

Christos Derdemezis

Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

E

Evangelia Damigou

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Cite This Article

Christos Lionis, Rena I. Kosti, Mary Yannakoulia, et al. (2025). Lifestyle and Well-being: A New or a Neglected Issue in Atherosclerosis? A Position Paper of the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society Working Group on Lifestyle, Psychosocial Factors, and Atherosclerosis. Journal of Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment, 16(4), 147-152. https://doi.org/10.4103/aptj.aptj_24_26

Lifestyle and Well-being: A New or a Neglected Issue in Atherosclerosis? A Position Paper of the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society Working Group on Lifestyle, Psychosocial Factors, and Atherosclerosis

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