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

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. (Eur Heart J 2000; 21: 808-813) (C) 2000 The European Society of Cardiology.