Classical rather than genetic risk factors account for high cardiovascular disease prevalence in Lithuania: A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology and Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is disproportionately high in Lithuania, representing 54% of all deaths, the highest rate in the EU.
• Understanding the specific risk factors contributing to this elevated CVD prevalence is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of CVD risk factors in the Lithuanian population, including lifestyle, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions.
• To identify the primary reasons for the significantly increased CVD prevalence and mortality in Lithuania compared to other European populations.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 435 Lithuanian volunteers with multi-generational geographic stability.
• Measurement of anthropometric, biochemical, and behavioral risk factors; genotyping of 60 CVD risk alleles in a subset of 166 volunteers.
• Comparison of genetic risk scores with the North-West European (CEU) population using HapMap phase 3 data.

Main Results:

• CVD was prevalent in 33.8% of participants, with high rates of alcohol consumption (84%), smoking (21%), and low physical activity (30%).
• Average Body Mass Index (BMI), total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels were elevated above normal ranges in both males and females.
• Lithuanians showed only a 1.4% higher cumulative genetic susceptibility to CVD compared to the CEU population.

Conclusions:

• Elevated BMI and unfavorable plasma lipid profiles are identified as the principal contributors to high CVD mortality and morbidity in Lithuania.
• Smoking, alcohol consumption, and genetic predisposition do not sufficiently explain the disparity in CVD mortality between Lithuania and other European populations.
• Future CVD prevention programs in Lithuania should prioritize strategies for weight reduction and improved blood lipid management.