Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Factors After the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, and was followed by a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The government ordered a mandatory evacuation from the high radioactive concentration area in Fukushima. This evacuation may have forced many evacuees to change specific aspects of their lifestyles such as diet and physical activity, which in turn may lead to future incidence of lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). To address this concern, the association between the evacuation and changes in CVD risk factors before and after the disaster was examined in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. In the present study, we reviewed the results of longitudinal studies in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. The proportion of overweight/obese people and those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, liver dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and polycythemia increased after the disaster. Furthermore, the evacuation was associated with an increase of these cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, evacuees may be more disposed to CVDs such as myocardial infarction and stroke after the disaster. The prevention of future CVDs among evacuees from Fukushima requires ongoing preventive programs for obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, in collaboration with local governments and communities.

Trends in the Incidence of Sudden Deaths and Heart Diseases in Fukushima After the Great East Japan Earthquake

“…The Fukushima Health Management Survey suggests that there was an increase in lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes and dyslipidemia, and these are risk factors for the onset of cardiovascular disease. 11,24) Thus, it is necessary for us to continue investigating the onset of cardiovascular disease, as well as death from this disease, in the longterm. In addition, we should aim to reduce stress and the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases.…”

“…The inhabitants of Fukushima Prefecture were exposed to the stress of the earthquake, the tsunami, and the power plant accident, and the evacuation thereafter was also associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. 11) Although there are many studies examining the shortterm effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the longterm effects remain unknown. Although the evacuation zone has gradually been reduced, many people have continued living as evacuees in Fukushima Prefecture.…”

Additional risk of diabetes exceeds the increased risk of cancer caused by radiation exposure after the Fukushima disaster

“…Fourth, there was uncertainty about the extent of incidence of diabetes, especially for the 40 to 50s age group, because these population data used in this study were limited as a few hundred ( S1 and S2 Tables). Fifth, although we assessed the risk due to diabetes, increases in other health risks, including hyperlipidemia [ 10 ], hypertension [ 41 ], and psychological distress [ 42 ] were observed among evacuees after the disaster. These risks were not evaluated in this study and a further study is required.…”

Associations between Dietary Patterns and Cardiometabolic Risks in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Fukushima Health Management Survey, 2011–2015

“…With a worldwide shift in dietary patterns, the current health status of the population has also shifted to a "pandemic" of obesity and increased cardiometabolic risks [1]. The Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 affected the health status of the residents in the disaster areas, with increased cardiometabolic risks, such as overweight/obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, being reported [2][3][4]. The prevalence of hypertension peaked one year after the disaster and showed a decline tendency [4]; the body weight/waist circumference was increasing with a deterioration of the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level among relocated survivors even more than one year post-disaster [3].…”