Image illustrating the pressure and unhealthy habits affecting college student heart health.

College Health Crisis: Are Students Overlooking Heart Risks?

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New study reveals alarming rates of poor nutrition, inactivity, and cardiovascular risks among college students – and why it matters."

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs) are on the rise, and with them comes an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) factors, especially among young adults. Understanding these risk factors and adopting healthier lifestyles early on is crucial for long-term well-being.

A study published in March 2015 in the journal Revista Chilena de Nutrición explored the relationship between nutritional status, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular risk factors in students at the Santo Tomás University in Temuco, Chile. The findings shed light on some alarming trends that may be mirrored in college populations worldwide.

The study aimed to analyze how nutritional status and physical activity correlated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in university students. By understanding these connections, we can identify potential intervention points and promote healthier choices among young adults.

Key Findings: Unpacking the Risks

Image illustrating the pressure and unhealthy habits affecting college student heart health.

The cross-sectional descriptive study examined 177 students (32.2% males and 68.8% females) enrolled in 2010, with ages ranging from 18 to 25 years. Researchers collected data on anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood samples, physical activity through surveys, and family history of obesity. This comprehensive approach allowed for a detailed analysis of various risk factors.

Here are some of the most concerning findings:

Malnutrition by Excess: A significant 34.5% of the students showed signs of malnutrition due to overconsumption.
Sedentary Lifestyles: An overwhelming 70.6% were classified as sedentary, indicating a lack of regular physical activity.
Metabolic Syndrome Risk: Nearly 10% (9.6%) were at risk of CVD due to the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions, when occurring together, increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Abdominal Obesity: More than half (53.1%) exhibited abdominal obesity, a key indicator of increased cardiovascular risk.
HDL Cholesterol: Active students showed significantly lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), which was an unexpected and potentially worrisome result.

While the study didn't find significant differences in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure when analyzing physical activity alongside BMI, the overall picture painted a clear need for intervention.

What Can Be Done? Taking Action for a Healthier Campus

The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to promote healthier lifestyles among college students. By addressing factors like poor nutrition and physical inactivity, universities can play a vital role in reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions in this vulnerable population. Further research could explore effective intervention strategies, considering the unique challenges and opportunities within the university environment.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are non-communicable chronic diseases and why should I be concerned about them?

Non-communicable chronic diseases, or NCCDs, are diseases that are not infectious and tend to be long-lasting. They are significant because they are a major driver for the rise in cardiovascular disease, or CVD, factors, particularly in young adults. This means that the development of NCCDs can greatly increase your risk of heart-related issues later in life. Addressing NCCDs through lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of CVD.

What is metabolic syndrome and why is it considered a risk?

Metabolic syndrome, or MS, is a cluster of conditions that include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. It's a serious concern because when these conditions occur together, they significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Identifying and managing metabolic syndrome early on is crucial for reducing the likelihood of developing these life-threatening diseases.

What does "malnutrition by excess" mean and why is it a problem?

The study revealed that a significant portion of students exhibited "malnutrition by excess," meaning they were overconsuming calories and likely unhealthy foods. This is concerning because overconsumption contributes to weight gain, obesity, and related health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Addressing this requires promoting balanced diets and educating students about healthy eating habits.

What is abdominal obesity and why is it a sign of cardiovascular risk?

The study found that more than half of the students exhibited abdominal obesity. Abdominal obesity, characterized by excess fat around the abdomen, is a key indicator of increased cardiovascular risk. It's more dangerous than fat stored in other parts of the body because it's associated with metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance and inflammation. Reducing abdominal obesity through diet and exercise is vital for lowering the risk of heart disease and other related conditions.

Why is it a concern that active students had lower HDL cholesterol levels?

The study indicated that active students showed unexpectedly lower levels of HDL cholesterol, often called "good" cholesterol. Typically, higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. This finding is worrisome because it suggests that even students who are physically active might have other underlying factors that negatively impact their cholesterol levels. Further investigation is needed to understand the reasons behind this and to determine the best strategies for improving overall cholesterol profiles in active individuals. Other research would be needed to determine if the type of exercise affects the outcome.