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Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study: general outline and recent developments
H K Akerblom1, J Viikari, O T Raitakari
1Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, Finland. hans.akerblom@huch.fi
Annals of Medicine
|May 26, 1999
Summary
The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study tracked coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in Finnish youth. Higher cholesterol levels decreased with improved diets, while psychological factors like
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Pediatric Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (YFS) investigates coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in Finnish children and adolescents.
- Previous studies indicated higher serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in Finnish youth compared to other European countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and changes in CHD risk factors among Finnish children and adolescents over time.
- To identify determinants of CHD risk, including lifestyle, psychological, and genetic factors.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal cohort study initiated in 1980 with initial cross-sectional data from 3596 participants aged 3-18.
- Follow-up assessments conducted in 1983, 1986, 1989, and 1992, with participants reaching ages 15-30.
- Data collection included anthropometry, blood pressure, serum lipids (cholesterol, LDL-C), apolipoprotein phenotypes, insulin levels, dietary intake (P/S ratio), and psychological assessments.
Main Results:
- Anthropometric measures, obesity, and blood pressure were comparable to other European populations.
- Serum cholesterol and LDL-C levels were initially high but decreased by 8% by 1992, likely due to dietary changes.
- A higher dietary polyunsaturated to saturated fat (P/S) ratio (0.39 in 1992 vs. 0.26 in 1980) was observed.
- Apolipoprotein E4 phenotypes were relatively frequent (34%).
- Serum insulin levels predicted the clustering of risk factors associated with insulin resistance syndrome.
- 'Hard-driving' personality traits were consistently linked to higher CHD risk factor levels.
Conclusions:
- Dietary modifications contributed to a reduction in cholesterol levels among young Finns.
- Insulin resistance and specific psychological profiles represent significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease in youth.
- The study highlights the importance of monitoring and intervening in cardiovascular risk factors from childhood.