Cardiovascular disease and smoking

Finland had a higher rate of heart disease deaths than most countries, and heart disease deaths increased in Finland in the 1950s and 1960s. The peak rates were recorded at the end of the 1960s.

However, heart disease mortality rates since then have dropped massively in the country as a whole, due in large part to the pace of tobacco control and the increase it stimulated in people’s interest in smoking reduction.

Mortality due to coronary heart disease (CHD) has decreased by nearly 80 per cent among men of working age over the past 30 years. CHD mortality was at its highest in 1967, being then 508 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants among men aged 35-64 years. The corresponding rate among women was 102 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2003, CHD mortality per 100,000 inhabitants was only 126 in men and 20 in women.

The decline in CHD mortality in Finland is due to a larger extent attributable to risk factor reductions. For example, in the United States, New Zealand and UK the contribution of medical treatments was between 40-48 per cent.

Compared to other Western countries, cardiac mortality in Finland is - despite the reduction in case rates - high. Cholesterol and blood pressure levels of the Finns are still high, globally speaking. Low physical activity and increasing overweight cause growing health concerns. Childhood obesity in particular, combined with overweight through whole life cycle nourishes the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and vascular diseases. About 80 percent of the coronary artery diseases could be prevented by a healthy lifestyle.

To achieve this goal, intensified action is needed in all the phases of development and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The Finnish Heart Plan is comprehensive and consists of promoting 1) heart health and preventing diseases at the population level and in high-risk groups, 2) the availability of patient examinations and treatment, and good treatment practices, and 3) cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention.

Action Plan for Promoting Finnish Heart Health for the years 2005-2011 forms the part of the Finnish Heart Plan that concentrates on the promotion of cardiovascular health and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Sources:

Puska P, Vartiainen E, Laatikainen T, Jousilahti P, Paavola M (eds.). The North Karelia Project: From North Karelia to national action. Helsinki 2009.

The Finnish Hearth Plan is based on the work done for North Karelia Project. Press release 27.10.2006.  www.sydänliitto.fi , access 8.3.2010.

Finnish Heart Association. ACTION PLAN FOR PROMOTING FINNISH HEART HEALTH FOR THE YEARS 2005-2011. Including promoting heart health and preventing cardiovascular disease as a part of the Finnish Heart Plan. Helsinki 2005.

http://www.sydanliitto.fi

Updated 8.3.2010.