The TromsO study 1974-2016: 40 years of cardiovascular research

• The rapid increase of coronary heart disease mortality in Northern Norway during 1951-1970 was why the newly established University of TromsO decided to start a study to identify major operating cardiovascular risk factors. The first TromsO survey in 1974 suggested that the relatively high cardiovascular mortality was associated with elevated cholesterol levels and high prevalence of smoking, while high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was identified as a preventive factor. After 1974, six more surveys including both genders (aged 20-89 years) were undertaken. The second survey (1979) revealed the cholesterol increasing effect of coffee. Echocardiographic examinations, ECG, and ultrasound of carotid arteries were introduced in later surveys, and intervention studies were established. Repeated carotid measurements showed that inflammation was involved in novel plaque formation, while HDL-C was protective. Moderate physical activity protected against atrial fibrillation but hard exercise increased the risk. Obesity, hypertension and smoking increased the risk of aortic stenosis, and diastolic dysfunction predicted development of atrial fibrillation. Dilated left atria predicted stroke, especially for individuals without known atrial fibrillation. Total cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking declined after 1974, corresponding to the subsequent decline in coronary heart disease mortality. Reduced incidence accounted for 40% of the mortality decline, while a substantial reduction in case fatality explained the remaining 60%.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

TromsO

cardiovascular epidemiology

coronary risk factor changes

incidence and mortality

four

coronary-heart-disease

high-density-lipoprotein

acute

myocardial-infarction

risk-factors

atrial-fibrillation

serum-cholesterol

blood-pressure

follow-up

carotid atherosclerosis

general-population

rde oh

1978

acta medica scandinavica

v203

p21

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)