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Cardiovascular risk factor profile and mortality in two Scottish cities
W C Smith1, I K Crombie, H D Tunstall-Pedoe
1Scottish MONICA Project, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Acta Medica Scandinavica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Glasgow has higher coronary heart disease mortality than Edinburgh, despite similar exercise levels. Differences in smoking, blood pressure, and BMI align with mortality, but cholesterol levels do not, requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Public health research
- Geographic health disparities
Background:
- Scotland exhibits high coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates globally.
- Significant geographical variations in CHD mortality exist within Scotland, with Glasgow exceeding Edinburgh.
- Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors may contribute to these observed disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lifestyle factors and CHD mortality differences between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
- To compare cardiovascular risk factors in populations of Edinburgh and North Glasgow.
- To identify potential explanations for geographical variations in CHD mortality within Scotland.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the World Health Organization's MONICA project methodology for population surveys.
- Conducted simultaneous surveys in 1986 in Edinburgh and North Glasgow.
- Included men and women aged 25-64 years, assessing smoking, blood pressure, body mass index, serum total cholesterol, and reported exercise levels.
Main Results:
- Differences in cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and body mass index between the two centers were consistent with observed CHD mortality rates.
- No significant difference was found in reported exercise levels between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
- Mean serum total cholesterol levels showed a difference in the opposite direction to that expected based on mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, blood pressure, and BMI appear to correlate with geographical CHD mortality differences.
- The lack of difference in exercise levels and the unexpected cholesterol findings warrant further investigation.
- Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for targeted public health interventions in Scotland.