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Changes in morbidity and mortality during comprehensive community programme to control cardiovascular diseases during
Insights
A community program in North Karelia reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and incidence of heart attack (AMI) and stroke. These positive changes aligned with the program's objectives.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) pose a significant public health challenge.
- Effective community-based interventions are crucial for disease control.
- Previous studies highlighted the need for targeted CVD prevention programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a community program on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity.
- To assess changes in the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke.
- To determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive CVD control strategy in North Karelia, Finland.
Main Methods:
- A community-based intervention program was implemented in North Karelia from 1972 to 1977.
- Monitoring of CVD mortality and morbidity utilized community registers and death certificates.
- Incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke were tracked using case registers.
- Changes were compared to a matched control area to assess program-specific effects.
Main Results:
- Total mortality decreased by 5%; CVD mortality declined by 13% (men) and 31% (women) aged 30-64.
- Incidence of AMI fell by 16% (men) and 5% (women).
- Cerebral stroke incidence decreased by 38% (men) and 50% (women).
Conclusions:
- The North Karelia project demonstrated a reduction in CVD mortality and morbidity.
- The observed decreases in AMI and stroke incidence align with program goals.
- Community-level interventions show potential for mitigating cardiovascular disease burden.
Abstract:
A comprehensive community programme studying the control of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was carried out in North Karelia, Finland, between 1972 and 1977. The main objective was to reduce the mortality and morbidity of CVD, particularly in middle-aged men. Changes in the mortality and incidence of CVD were monitored by community-based registers of cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke and data on death certificates. During the programme the total mortality in the area decreased by 5% and the mortality from CVD decreased by 13% among men and 31% among women aged 30-64 years. The incidence of AMI fell by 16% among men and 5% among women, while that of cerebral stroke fell by 38% among men and 50% among women. Changes in mortality in North Karelia were compared with those in a matched control area; the difference between the two areas was not significant. The true effect of the programme cannot be deduced from these results, but mortality from CVD and the incidence of AMI and stroke fell during the five years studied. Thus the changes in mortality and morbidity of CVD accorded with the initial objectives of the programme.