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[Risk factors and mortality of myocardial infarction in Kristiansund, Alesund and Molde]
O Krüger1, S Graff-Iversen, I Stensvold
1Geografisk institutt, Universitetet i Trondheim.
Insights
Kristiansund showed significantly higher rates of ischaemic heart disease mortality and risk factors like high cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking compared to Alesund and Molde.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Investigating geographical variations in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is crucial for targeted prevention.
- Socio-economic and cultural factors may influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare IHD mortality, coronary heart disease prevalence, and risk factor levels across three towns in Møre og Romsdal.
- To explore potential links between socio-economic characteristics and CVD outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of vital statistics for IHD mortality (ages 40-69) from 1966-1987.
- Health screening survey data (1990) on self-reported coronary heart disease and risk factors (serum cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking) for ages 40-42 and 65-67.
Main Results:
- Kristiansund exhibited substantially higher IHD mortality rates for both men and women compared to Alesund and Molde.
- A similar gradient was observed for key risk factors, including elevated serum cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and smoking prevalence in Kristiansund.
Conclusions:
- Significant geographical disparities in IHD mortality and risk factors exist within Møre og Romsdal.
- Findings suggest that specific socio-economic or cultural factors in Kristiansund may contribute to higher cardiovascular disease burden, informing tailored prevention strategies.
Abstract:
We have examined mortality from ischaemic heart disease, prevalence of self-reported coronary heart disease and risk factor levels in three towns (Kristiansund, Alesund and Molde) in the county of Møre og Romsdal. The results for mortality were based on vital statistics for the age group 40-69 years, for the periods 1966-76 and 1977-87. Risk factor data and data on self-reported coronary heart disease for the age groups 40-42 years and 65-67 years were obtained from a health screening survey conducted in the county in 1990. According to the official statistics, the towns share important socio-economic characteristics, but Kristiansund is thought to have stronger roots in the coastal culture, with a historically economic basis in fishery and shipbuilding. We observed substantial differences between the three towns, both as regards risk factor levels and mortality from ischaemic heart disease. By far the highest mortality rates were found in Kristiansund, both for men and for women. A similar gradient existed for the levels of main risk factors, including serum cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and prevalence of smokers. We discuss the implications of these findings for prevention strategies.