Behavioural risks for mortality of ischemic heart disease in longitudinal study

Abstract

Background: in early 70-ties WHO developed conceptual systematic multifactorial approach explaining health and disease prevention. Psychosocial risk factors of ischemic heart disease (IHD) were included in comprehensive epidemiological studies (KRIS, 1972), Multifactorial prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke (MP) 1976 in Lithuania. Outcomes of these studies were widely publicised until 1995. The aim of present analysis is to check the long lasting continuing influence of behavioural risk factors on mortality of IHD in longitudinal study up to 2014. Methods: 3459 males, 40 - 59 years old, were investigated in psychosocial sub-study of MP by using scales for evaluation of self-rated health and health related behaviours. Clinical scales of original MMPI were used for evaluation of person’s psychological – emotional adjustment. Survivors group included 1231 persons up to 2014. Mortality causes were provided by Data Register, coded according to ICD, processed in University of Health Sciences. Kaplan – Meyer curves and Cox regression model were used for statistical analysis. Findings: The strongest prognostic value for mortality of IHD had smoking, regular usage of ethanol, self-rated health and somatic complaints expressed during health screening and combined indicators of emotional adjustment (MMPI scales). Indicators such as introversion, anxiety, low self-confidence had no prognostic value. Discussion: It was reconfirmed, that well known behavioural risks, such as smoking and alcohol consumption as well as self-rated health and selected indicators of emotional adjustment were found influencing mortality. The data confirms the possibility of preventing early death of IHD on personal and social levels.