January 1, 2002Annals of Medicine
Increased carotid intima-media thickness in men born in east Finland: a twin study of the effects of birthplace and migration to Sweden on subclinical atherosclerosis
Key result
Eastern Finnish origin is linked to ~13% higher carotid IMT compared to western origin.
- P=0.02
- n=152
Why the study?
There is a clear east-west difference in CHD mortality and incidence in Finland, and the influence of birthplace and migration on subclinical atherosclerosis is unclear.
Does birthplace in east Finland or migration to Sweden influence subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged men?
Population
76 middle-aged male twin pairs from Finland discordant for migration to Sweden
Comparison
Men originating from east Finland versus men originating from west Finland, with and without migration to Sweden
Design
Observational twin study
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
East Finnish origin associates with higher carotid IMT independent of migration; leaves open early-life or genetic drivers of regional CHD disparities.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=152)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
Does birthplace in east Finland or migration to Sweden influence subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged men?
P
Population
152 middle-aged male twins (76 pairs) originating from east or west Finland, discordant for migration to Sweden, assessed for subclinical atherosclerosis.
E
Exposure
Birthplace in east Finland and/or migration to Sweden
C
Comparator
Birthplace in west Finland and/or remaining in Finland
O
Outcome
Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) measured with high-resolution ultrasoundsurrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 0.796% vs 0.704%
p-value: p=0.02
Men born in east Finland have greater subclinical atherosclerosis (higher IMT) than those from west Finland, regardless of migration to Sweden, suggesting early life or genetic factors predominate over adult environment.
Cite This Study
Jartti et al. (2002) conducted an observational in Subclinical atherosclerosis (n=152). Originating from east Finland vs. Originating from west Finland was evaluated on Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) among men living in Finland (p=0.02). Men originating from east Finland had significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness than those from west Finland, both among residents in Finland (0.796 vs 0.704 mm; P=0.02) and Sweden.