January 1, 1994International Journal of Epidemiology
Twenty-Year Trends in Coronary Risk Factors in North Karelia and in Other Areas of Finland
Why the study?
Do community-based and national coronary heart disease prevention programs reduce cardiovascular risk factors in the general population?
Population
Cross-sectional population samples, aged 30-59 years, in North Karelia, Kuopio province, and southwestern…
Comparison
North Karelia Project and national coronary… vs Reference areas
Design
Cross-sectional
Follow-up
20 years
Authors
Discussion
Loading...
Member takes
Implication
Supports population prevention efforts; leaves open causal roles of programs versus secular trends.
Key Points
- This research aims to evaluate the changes in coronary risk factors over 20 years in North Karelia compared to other areas in Finland.
- Analyzed comparable cross-sectional population surveys from 1972 to 1992
- Focused on individuals aged 30-59 years
- Conducted surveys every five years to track changes in risk factors
- Total cholesterol and blood pressure decreased more significantly in North Karelia during initial years compared to the reference area.
- Nationwide preventive activities were launched after a leveling off of declines from 1982 to 1987.
- A substantial decline in cardiovascular disease risk factors was noted over the last 20 years as part of the North Karelia Project.
Structured PICO
Do community-based and national coronary heart disease prevention programs reduce cardiovascular risk factors in the general population?
P
Population
Cross-sectional population samples, aged 30-59 years, in North Karelia, Kuopio province (reference area), and southwestern Finland
I
Intervention
North Karelia Project and national coronary heart disease prevention activities
C
Comparator
Reference areas (Kuopio province and southwestern Finland)
O
Outcome
Changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking) over 20 yearssurrogate
Community-based and national prevention programs are associated with significant long-term reductions in cardiovascular risk factors at the population level.
Cite This Study
Vartiainen et al. (1994) studied this question.