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Changing pattern of cardiovascular disease in the Japanese population in relation to hypertension control programs
1National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease patterns in Japan shifted, with fewer deaths from hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. Ischemic heart disease increased in urban areas, highlighting the need for preventing atherosclerotic complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) patterns have evolved over 30 years in Japan.
- Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage deaths have significantly decreased.
- Trends in ischemic heart disease (IHD) show urban increases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the changing patterns of cardiovascular disease in Japan over three decades.
- To analyze trends in CVD mortality and risk factors.
- To identify factors contributing to observed changes in CVD epidemiology.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of cardiovascular disease data over 30 years.
- Comparison of disease patterns and risk factors between rural and urban areas.
- Evaluation of the impact of hypertension control programs and lifestyle changes.
Main Results:
- A notable reduction in deaths from hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage was observed.
- Ischemic heart disease showed an increasing trend in urban areas, but not in the studied rural area.
- Risk factor changes, including blood pressure reduction and serum cholesterol increase, were more pronounced in rural areas.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension control programs and lifestyle modifications have likely driven rapid changes in CVD frequency and type, especially cerebral stroke.
- Preventing atherosclerotic complications like cerebral infarction and ischemic heart disease is a growing priority in preventive cardiology.
- The distinct trends in rural versus urban areas warrant further investigation into localized risk factors and interventions.
Abstract:
The changing pattern of cardiovascular disease during the last 30 years in Japan is described. The most striking change was a reduction in deaths caused by hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. There was no increase in ischemic heart disease in the rural area studied but such a trend was shown in the urban area. A change in risk factors for cardiovascular disease, reduction in blood pressure, and increase in serum cholesterol were more marked in the rural than the urban area. Institution of a hypertension control program and marked changes in lifestyle, including diet, could explain the relatively rapid change in the frequency and the type of cardiovascular disease, particularly cerebral stroke. The prevention of atherosclerotic complications such as cerebral infarction and ischemic heart disease is becoming a more important task in preventive cardiology.