Secular changes in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in elderly Finns.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present study was to examine changes with time in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Finns 65 to 74 years of age.


METHODS
Two cross-sectional studies were conducted 18 years apart. In the Mini-Finland Survey (1978 to 1980), a nationally representative sample of 1,250 Finns of 65 to 74 years of age was interviewed and clinically examined. The FINRISK Survey (1997) consisted of a random sample of 1,500 individuals in the same age range, from two areas of Finland. Prevalences of chronic CVD (angina pectoris (AP), myocardial infarction (MI), coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and intermittent claudication) were assessed via self-reported data relating to known conditions and diagnoses by physicians.


RESULTS
The prevalences of most of the chronic CVD were lower in the 1997 survey than in the 1978 to 1980 survey. A major exception was drug treatment for hypertension in men, which was more prevalent in the 1997 survey.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the prevalence of CVD in Finns 65 to 74 years of age has declined since 1978. This information is valuable in assessing current and future burdens imposed by CVD on society.
Kattainen
Anna
A
National Public Health Institute, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, Helsinki, Finland. Anna.Kattainen@ktl.fi
Reunanen
Antti
A
Koskinen
Seppo
S
Martelin
Tuija
T
Knekt
Paul
P
Aromaa
Arpo
A
D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011897:Random Allocation; D017678:Sex Distribution
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents