title: Trends in major risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in Lithuania, 1985-2013.
abstract: This 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.
  
  
  
  Data 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.
  
  
  
  In 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.
  
  
  
  Despite 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.
authors: Institute of Cardiology, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania. abdonas.tamosiunas@lsmuni.lt.|Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania. abdonas.tamosiunas@lsmuni.lt.
authors: Abdonas
authors: A
authors: Tamosiunas
authors: Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors: Jurate
authors: J
authors: Klumbiene
authors: Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors: Janina
authors: J
authors: Petkeviciene
authors: Institute of Cardiology, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.|Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors: Ricardas
authors: R
authors: Radisauskas
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors: Olga
authors: O
authors: Vikhireva
authors: Institute of Cardiology, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.|Faculty of Public Health, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors: Dalia
authors: D
authors: Luksiene
authors: Institute of Cardiology, Academy of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors: Dalia
authors: D
authors: Virviciute
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D002423:Cause of Death / Q000639:trends; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008097:Lithuania / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050177:Overweight; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids
keywords: Middle-aged population; Mortality; Non-communicable diseases; Risk factors; Trends