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Cardiovascular disease prevention in eastern Europe
1Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|June 6, 1998
Summary
Cardiovascular disease mortality has shifted to Eastern Europe, driven by factors beyond traditional risks like smoking and hypertension. New research suggests antioxidant deficiencies and psychosocial stress may be key contributors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Public Health
Background:
- Premature cardiovascular mortality has significantly increased in Central and Eastern Europe over the past 30 years.
- This trend surpasses historical highs seen in the US, indicating a critical public health issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the escalating cardiovascular disease (CVD) epidemic in Eastern Europe.
- To identify traditional and potential novel risk factors contributing to this mortality shift.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from international surveys like the WHO MONICA project.
- Comparison of traditional CVD risk factors (cholesterol, hypertension, smoking) and lifestyle factors (diet, alcohol) between Eastern European and Western populations.
Main Results:
- Traditional risk factors alone do not fully explain the CVD epidemic; male smoking rates were higher in Eastern Europe, but other factors showed no significant differences or were more favorable.
- Lower intake of antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and nuts was observed in Eastern Europe.
- Economic and political system failures, psychosocial stress, alcoholism, and antioxidant deficiencies are implicated as potential novel risk factors.
Conclusions:
- The CVD epidemic in Eastern Europe is multifactorial, with psychosocial stress, alcoholism, and deficiencies in antioxidants playing a significant role.
- Further research is needed to identify and address these lesser-known risk factors for targeted prevention programs in the region.