Cohort Profile: The Manitoba Follow-up Study (MFUS)

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Gerontology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The Manitoba Follow-up Study (MFUS) is Canada's longest-running cardiovascular disease and ageing study.
• The cohort comprises 3983 men from the Royal Canadian Air Force, recruited post-World War II.
• Participants were initially free of clinical ischemic heart disease, with a mean entry age of 31.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive value of routine electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in apparently healthy men for subsequent cardiovascular disease diagnoses.
• To examine the roles of physical, mental, and social functioning in supporting healthy and successful ageing.
• To track long-term cardiovascular health outcomes and ageing trajectories in a unique cohort.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal cohort study involving routine medical examinations at regular intervals over 65 years.
• Analysis of electrocardiograms (ECGs) for abnormalities in relation to cardiovascular disease incidence.
• Inclusion of physical, mental, and social functioning assessments from 1996 onwards.

Main Results:

• Approximately 35% of the cohort developed documented evidence of ischemic heart disease over 65 years.
• Initial ECG abnormalities in healthy men were found to be predictive of subsequent cardiovascular disease.
• By 2013, 429 original cohort members were alive, with a mean age of 92 years.

Conclusions:

• Routine ECGs in apparently healthy men can identify individuals at higher risk for future cardiovascular disease.
• The MFUS provides valuable long-term data on cardiovascular health and successful ageing.
• The study highlights the importance of considering physical, mental, and social factors in promoting healthy ageing.