Environment and cardiovascular disease: rationale of the Corinthia study

Environmental factors constitute an important but underappreciated risk factor towards the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Environmental exposure to variable pollutants is implicated in the derangement or propagation of adverse pathophysiological processes linked with atherosclerosis, including genetic, hemodynamic, metabolic, oxidative and inflammation parameters. However, no data exist on environmental pollution in rural or semi-rural areas. Therefore, the purpose of the "Corinthia" study is to examine the impact of environmental pollution in indices of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a cross-sectional and longitudinal design. The Corinthia study began in October 2015 and is planned to recruit 1,500 individuals from different regions of Corinthia country with different environmental exposures to pollutants and different patterns of soil/ground and/or air pollution until December 2016. Baseline measurements will include lifestyle measurements, anthropometric characteristics and a comprehensive cardiovascular examination. The follow-up is planned to extend prospectively up to 10 years and this study is anticipated to provide valuable data on the distinct impact of soil and air pollution on early markers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease and on the overall impact of environment pollution to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.