Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide largely because of risk factors modifiable by changes in our behaviour (smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, etc.). This problem is anticipated to be magnified in the coming years due to the disturbing global increase in the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles and obesity, and 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 elucidate appropriate interventions for promoting long-lasting healthy habits from early childhood that can have a beneficial impact on health throughout life.

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

Overall, we believe on the implementation of health promotion strategies as an effective means to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in individuals and society, and potentially increase the life expectancy free of other diseases such as dementia or cancer.