Improving awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in young Australian adults: We can do better

It is well established that cardiovascular risk factors can emerge at a young age, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. There is a growing body of literature indicating that a concerning proportion of young adults have one or more modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, with many being unaware that they have risk factors. Studies have also indicated that young adults have concerningly lower health literacy of cardiovascular risk factors. Given the implications of early detection and treatment, there is a strong impetus for improving the knowledge and individual awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in this population group. General practice can play a key role in better engaging young adults to improve both health literacy and awareness by screening for cardiovascular risk factors, providing health education and directing preventative care. Targeted community health education campaigns for young adults developed alongside primary care initiatives would hopefully support achieving prevention goals.