Trends in major risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in Lithuania, 1985–2013

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the trends in the prevalence and levels of risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in the Lithuanian population aged 45–64 years during 1985 to 2013.MethodsData from four general population surveys conducted between 1985 and 2008 were used. All these surveys were carried out in Kaunas city and five randomly selected municipalities of Lithuania. Risk factors measured at each survey included regular smoking, overweight, obesity, arterial hypertension, and high levels of blood lipids. In total, data of 10,719 subjects (4,965 men and 5,754 women) aged 45–64 were analysed. Trends in standardized all-cause mortality and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and malignant neoplasms were estimated for both sexes by joinpoint regression analysis.ResultsIn 1985–2013, some favourable trends were observed in the age-standardized mean levels and prevalence of risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in the Lithuanian middle-aged population. The mean values of blood lipids (with the exception of triglycerides) and the prevalence of dyslipidemias declined. In women, mean levels of systolic blood pressure and body mass index decreased, while in men, the levels of these factors increased. The prevalence of arterial hypertension and obesity increased in men. The proportion of obese women decreased. Smoking prevalence increased in both men and women. From 2007 to 2008, significant downward trends, which were steeper in women than in men, were observed in all-cause, CVD, and CHD mortality.ConclusionsDespite the favourable changes in some risk factors and mortality rates, the prevalence of risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in Lithuania are still high. This indicates the importance of the ongoing primary and secondary prevention and optimal treatment of these diseases.

30-year trends in major cardiovascular risk factors in the Czech population, Czech MONICA and Czech post-MONICA, 1985 – 2016/17

“…methods originally developed by the WHO MONICA Project [13]. Similar longitudinal population data have been-to our knowledge-available only in Sweden [14], Lithuania [16] and Finland [15]. Continuous favorable changes in smoking habits in males, an overall significant decrease in BP and total cholesterol values, as well as a rise in the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in both genders were found.…”

Long-term survival after stroke in Lithuania: Data from Kaunas population-based stroke registry

“…In our study, we found that proportions of women who survived 1 and 5 years after the stroke were significantly higher than in men. This may be due to the fact that the prevalence of harmful lifestyle risk factors in Lithuanian men is significantly higher than in women [31]. Men are less likely to control their blood pressure effectively, and among men other chronic non-communicable diseases such as ischemic heart disease, DM, which can increase the chance of death, are diagnosed more frequently [9, 32].…”

Decline in Cardiovascular Mortality

“…In Lithuania for example, smoking prevalence increased 1985–2013 in both sexes, as well as hypertension and obesity, which contributed to a slowing decline in CVD mortality. 114 …”