PURE: This study shows different patterns of cardiovascular risk factor prevalence in countries with different socio-economical background, and recommends individualized intervention..

Presentation Summary: The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiologic (PURE) study evaluated 153996 people from different countries and different socioeconomic background. Tobacco consumption, physical activity and nutritional aspects were analyzed. Researchers found that meat consumption, industrialized products and saturated fat rates were more elevated in developed countries, while developing countries showed higher levels of carbohydrates consumption. Developing countries also showed higher levels of physical activity, although less recreational; recreational physical activity rates were higher in developed countries. It was also observed that tobacco consumers in developed countries quit more frequently than those in developing countries.

Editorial Comment: An insightful study carried out by Dr. Salim Yusuf that, in a way, academically translates into health policy premises, particularly from the regional point of view. Countries’ growth rates can also be measured in terms of healthier consumption habits, lower tobacco consumption and higher recreational physical activity rates.

Original title: Patterns of risk factor prevalence for CVD globally by urbanization, gender, and economic status of countries and individuals: The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiologic (PURE) Study of 153,996 people from 628 communities in 17 countries