Cardiovascular phenotypes and functional parameters in the general population--results of the MONICA/KORA studies

The MONICA/KORA surveys are characterized by a careful and broad investigation of multiple cardiovascular phenotypes. Particularly, repeated blinded measurements of blood pressure, comprehensive echocardiographic and electrocardiographic evaluations as well as differentiation between fat and fat-free body mass have led to manifold innovative observations. Specifically, genetic and serological markers of the renin angiotensin system could be associated with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy. The same applies to the importance of parameters of body composition as obesity and muscular mass. Moreover, the prevalence of heart failure in the general population could be determined for the first time in Germany. Additionally, the prevalence of left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction could be obtained in the region of the survey, exemplarily for the Federal Republic of Germany. Finally, the surveys of the population random sample were used to define normal serum levels of natriuretic peptides. In summary, the evaluation of cardiovascular phenotypes in the MONICA/KORA surveys resulted in a -- in the European region unique -- documentation of cardiovascular functional parameters in the general population. Moreover, multiple epidemiological observations as to pathophysiologically relevant topics of heart and vascular diseases could be studied in extraordinary details.