Monday 29 August 2016

Background: In Lithuania, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rate are higher than in most high-income western European countries. That the prevalence of CVD is increasing despite great advances in medical technology and treatment is paradoxical, and therefore it is necessary to find an alternative way to promote cardiovascular health. CVD and cognitive decline are common problems in middle aged and elderly population. Epidemiological studies have linked cognitive performance with CVD. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the influence of cognitive ability on CVD mortality risk in middle aged and elderly Lithuanian urban population. Methods: Data from the survey (2006–2008) performed in the framework of the HAPIEE (Health, Alcohol, Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe) study were presented. A random sample of Lithuanian inhabitants aged 45–72 years, stratified by gender and age was selected from Lithuanian population register. Data from 6,904 subjects (3,129 men and 3,775 women) were approved for statistical analysis (the response rate 64.8%). Cognitive function (CF) was assessed using a battery of five standard tasks: immediate and delayed verbal memory, semantic verbal fluency, speed and concentration, numerical ability. Scores representing a composite score of CF were obtained by averaging z-scores in all tests. Participants were labelled as having good CF if their composite score was higher than lowest quartile. The participants were followed up from the beginning of each baseline examination until 31 December 2014 and mortality data were extracted from the regional mortality register. 137 deaths from CVD were established in analysed cohort (excluding those with a documented history of CVD at entry). Kaplan-Meier curves were used to construct probability of survival for CVD. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CVD mortality were calculated using Cox models. Two models [...].