Ten- and thirty-year cardiovascular disease risks using PREVENT equation in Koreans from 2001 to 2021

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant global health challenge, with evolving risk factors.
• The PREVENT equation offers race-free CVD risk assessment, but its application in Asian populations requires further investigation.
• Understanding long-term CVD risk trends in diverse populations is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess long-term trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Korean adults from 2001 to 2021.
• To identify key contributing factors to the observed CVD risk trends in the Korean population.
• To evaluate the utility of the PREVENT equation for estimating CVD risk in an Asian demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analysis utilizing nationally representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2001-2021.
• Inclusion of adults aged 30 years and older with available clinical and laboratory data.
• Application of the PREVENT equation to calculate 10- and 30-year CVD risk estimates, with trend analysis by year and sex.

Main Results:

• Estimated 10-year CVD risk increased from 4.6% in 2001 to 7.9% in 2021; 30-year risk rose from 15.8% to 22.9%.
• Worsening glycemic control and increased antihypertensive medication use were identified as key contributors to the rising CVD risk.
• Increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased male smoking rates partially mitigated the overall risk increase.

Conclusions:

• Estimated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has significantly increased in the Korean population over two decades.
• Targeted prevention efforts are essential, particularly as countries experience rapid socioeconomic and demographic changes.
• The PREVENT equation can inform public health strategies for mitigating cardiovascular burden in transitioning populations.