Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, largely because of risk factors that are modifiable by changes in behavior (smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, etc.). This problem is anticipated to intensify in the near future due to the disturbing worldwide increase in the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles and obesity, particularly among children.

Our group focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion. We work on multidisciplinary programs in close collaboration with schools and communities, targeting both children and adults. One of our main aims is to develop appropriate interventions to promote long-lasting healthy habits from early childhood that will yield health benefits throughout life.

Among other tools, we use state-of-the-art non-invasive cardiovascular imaging modalities to study cardiovascular health throughout lifespan and to identify at-risk individuals with very early subclinical damage who could benefit from more intensive prevention approaches. This research will help us to better understand the interplay between lifestyle, health, and disease.

We believe that the implementation of health promotion strategies is an effective way to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in individuals and society, and potentially increase life expectancy free of other diseases such as dementia and cancer.