May 15, 2026European Heart Journal
P6222Changes in main CVD risk factors in Finland 1992–2017
Key result
Traditional CVD risk factors decline in Finland from 1992 to 2017 while obesity prevalence rises.
- P<0.001
- n=31,402
Why the study?
To report the trends of main CVD risk factors in Finland from 1992 to 2017 as part of ongoing systematic risk factor monitoring.
Key Points
- This study aims to report the trends of main cardiovascular disease risk factors in Finland over 25 years.
- Population-based random sample of 31,402 individuals aged 25-64 years from FINRISK Studies (1992-2012) and FinHealth Study (2017)
- Self-reported questionnaires on lifestyle, clinical measurements of blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, and laboratory analysis of blood samples collected every five years.
- Participating in monitoring of cardiovascular disease risk factors since the 1970s.
- Smoking prevalence decreased from 36.7% in men and 25.9% in women in 1992 to 20.6% and 16.5% respectively in 2017 (p<0.001).
- Mean systolic blood pressure declined in both sexes (men: 136.6 mmHg to 131.2 mmHg, women: 130.3 mmHg to 124.5 mmHg, p<0.001).
- Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels showed significant decreases while BMI, waist circumference, and obesity prevalence increased markedly (obesity rates: men 15.7% to 23.2%, women 14.8% to 22.7%, p<0.001).
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=31,402)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
P
Population
31,402 men and women aged 25–64 years from a population-based random sample participating in the FINRISK Studies (1992–2012) and FinHealth Study (2017) in Finland.
O
Outcome
Trends in main cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, waist circumference, obesity) from 1992 to 2017surrogate
Main Result
p-value: p=<0.001
While traditional cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol have improved significantly in Finland over 25 years, the rising prevalence of obesity presents a growing public health challenge.
Limitations
- Participation rate decreased from 76% in 1992 to 56% in 2017
Key expert perspectives
Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“Premature mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases has declined because known risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol have reduced and the treatment of diseases has improved. On the other hand there has been unfavourable development in some areas including proliferating overweight and obesity.”
“The good implementation of treatment requires commitment by both patients and doctors. Better treatment outcomes could be achieved through meticulous lifestyle counselling, measuring blood pressure at home, further education for doctors, and by the better inclusion of nurses, familiar with blood pressure treatment, in the treatment chains.”
“The outcomes for blood pressure treatment have advanced slowly in recent years, even though much better treatment outcomes could be achieved with today's treatment options. Internationally we have fallen behind in the development of treatment.”
Implication
20.6% smoking prevalence signals ongoing risk in large cohorts; leaves open whether intensified cessation improves outcomes.
Abstract
Background Systematic monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors started in eastern Finland already in the 1970s as part of the North Karelia Project. Later on risk factor monitoring was extended to other parts of the country. Purpose In this study we report the trends of main CVD risk factors in Finland from 1992 to 2017. Methods Study population consists of a population-based random sample of 31 402 men and women aged 25–64 years who participated in the FINRISK Studies from 1992 to 2012, and in the FinHealth Study in 2017. Data collection was done every five years. Participation rate decreased from 76% in 1992 to 56% in 2017. Study protocol included self-reported questionnaire data on smoking and other health behavior, measurements of height, weight and blood pressure, and venous blood sample for laboratory analysis. Blood pressure was measured two times, and the average of the measurements was calculated, total serum cholesterol was analyzed using enzymatic method, and LDL cholesterol was calculated using Friedewald formula. Results Smoking prevalence, mean blood pressure and total and LDL cholesterol levels declined markedly during the 25 year follow up but BMI, waist circumference and prevalence of obesity increased (table). CVD risk factor change from 1992 to 2017 Risk factor Men 1992 Men 2017 p value Women 1992 Women 2017 p value Smoking (%) 36.7 20.6 <0.001 25.9 16.5 <0.001 SBP (mmHg) 136.6 131.2 <0.001 130.3 124.5 <0.001 DBP (mmHg) 82.7 81.6 <0.001 78.6 77.8 <0.001 Chol (mmol/L) 5.66 5.17 <0.001 5.42 5.18 <0.001 LDL chol (mmol/L) 3.54 3.16 <0.001 3.26 3.03 <0.001 BMI (kg/m2) 26.2 27.2 <0.001 25.1 26.4 <0.001 WC (cm) 92.8 96.1 <0.001 79.2 86.2 <0.001 Obesity (%) 15.7 23.2 <0.001 14.8 22.7 <0.001 Conclusions The levels of main traditional CVD risk factors have markedly decreased among the Finnish population during the last 25 years but in the same time, obesity has become a major public health challenge.
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Cite This Study
Jousilahti et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Cardiovascular disease risk factors (n=31,402). Time period (2017 vs 1992) was evaluated on Changes in main CVD risk factors (smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, waist circumference, obesity) (p=<0.001). Between 1992 and 2017 in Finland, traditional CVD risk factors including smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol significantly decreased (P<0.001), while obesity prevalence increased (P<0.001).