A follow-up study found that cardiovascular risk in middle age predicted mortality and quality of life in old age
Arto Strandberg1, Timo E Strandberg, Veikko V Salomaa
1Department of Medicine, Geriatric Clinic, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, FIN-00029 Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Maintaining a low cardiovascular risk in middle age significantly reduces mortality and improves quality of life in older age. This study highlights the benefits of early cardiovascular risk reduction for long-term health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular health
- Gerontology
- Public health
Background:
- Cardiovascular risk factors in middle age can impact long-term health and quality of life.
- While saving lives, cardiovascular risk reduction may prolong disability in survivors.
- This study investigated the long-term consequences of middle-age cardiovascular risk on old age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the long-term health consequences of middle age cardiovascular risk in old age.
- To assess the impact of cardiovascular risk on mortality and quality of life over 26 years.
- To explore the potential for morbidity compression through early risk factor management.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study comparing low-risk (n=593) and high-risk (n=610) men from 1974.
- Baseline assessment of health, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status.
- Follow-up surveys in 2000 (including RAND-36 quality of life) and mortality data up to 2002.
Main Results:
- High-risk men had 54% higher mortality (P=.001) and poorer health in 2000 (higher BMI, blood glucose, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, more diseases).
- All quality of life (RAND-36) scales were worse in the high-risk group.
- Physical component summary score was significantly lower in high-risk men, but mental component summary score was not.
Conclusions:
- Low cardiovascular risk in middle age is linked to reduced mortality, morbidity, and better quality of life in old age.
- These findings support the theory of morbidity compression.
- Early cardiovascular risk management is crucial for long-term health and well-being.
Objective:
Cardiovascular risk reduction, while saving lives, may prolong the time with disability and impair the quality of life in survivors. We compared the consequences of middle age cardiovascular risk in old age.
Study Design And Setting:
In 1974, risk was low in 593 (low-risk group) and high in 610 men (high-risk group). At baseline, all were healthy with similar age and socioeconomic status. Lifestyle and clinical factors, including quality of life (RAND-36), were surveyed with a questionnaire in 2000, and mortality was determined up to 2002.
Results:
During the follow-up, 303 men died, with mortality 54% higher in the high-risk group (P=.001). In the 2000 survey, high-risk men still had significantly greater BMI, higher blood glucose, higher prevalence of smoking, and more sedentary lifestyle, and they reported more both cardiovascular and noncardiovascular diseases. All the RAND-36 scales were worse in the high-risk group; of the two component summary scores, physical (PCS), but not mental (MCS) score, was significantly lower in the high-risk group.
Conclusion:
Low cardiovascular risk in middle age was associated with lower mortality, morbidity, and better quality of life in old age 26 years later. The results may support the theory of compression of morbidity.
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