Cardiovascular risk factors in 2011 and secular trends since 2007: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Issue 7 (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nuotio, Joel; Oikonen, Mervi; Magnussen, Costan G; Jokinen, Eero; Laitinen, Tomi; Hutri-Kähönen, Nina; Kähönen, Mika; Lehtimäki, Terho; Taittonen, Leena; Tossavainen, Päivi; Jula, Antti; Loo, Britt-Marie; Viikari, Jorma SA; Raitakari, Olli T; Juonala, Markus
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of public health. Volume 42:Issue 7(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 563
• Page End: 571
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: Cardiovascular -- risk factors -- secular trend; Public health -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; 614
• DOI: 10.1177/1403494814541597
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1403-4948

Abstract

Aims: Cardiovascular risk factor levels in 2011 and 4-year changes between 2007 and 2011 were examined using data collected in follow-ups of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Methods : The study population comprised 2063 Finnish adults aged 34–49 years (45% male). Lipid and blood pressure levels, glucose and anthropometry were measured and life style risk factors examined with questionnaires. Results : Mean total cholesterol level in 2011 was 5.19 mmol/l, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol 3.27 mmol/l, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol 1.33 mmol/l, and triglycerides 1.34 mmol/l. Using American Diabetes Association criteria, Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was observed in 4.1% and prediabetes (fasting glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/l or glycated hemoglobin 5.7–6.4%) diagnosed for 33.8% of the participants. Significant changes ( P < 0.05) between 2007 and 2011 included an increase in waist circumference (3.3%) in women. In both sexes, systolic (−3.0% in women, −4.0% in men) and diastolic (−3.0% in women, −3.3% in men) blood pressure and triglycerides (−3.4% in women, −6.5% in men) decreased during follow-up. Conclusions : Previously observed favorable trends in LDL-cholesterol levels have leveled off among a sample of young and middle-aged adults in Finland. Triglyceride and blood pressure levels have decreased. Over one-third of the study population had prediabetes and may be at increased risk for T2D.