Cor Vasa 2008, 50(2):87-93 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2008.032

The ABCs of epidemiology of cardiovascular disease.

Jaroslav Šimon, Hana Rosolová, Otto Mayer jr.

Centrum preventivní kardiologie, II. interní klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň a Lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Plzeň, Česká republika

The epidemiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been largely instrumental in identifying the etiology of the disease both at the population and individual levels. The knowledge obtained using methods of epidemiological survey has been used to develop a strategy for preventing coronary heart disease (CHD) by modulating risk factors (RFs). This approach to prevention has turned out to be effective in practice. The reductions in mortality, incidence and prevalence of the disease in some countries are largely due to lifestyle modification, with subsequent changes in the pattern of RF distribution in the given population. By contrast, poor lifestyle and a shift of the RF distribution curve toward higher values are associated with increases in the mortality, incidence, and prevalence of CHD. The changes in the CVD-related morbidity and mortality are a most dynamic process occurring differently in different countries and different geographic regions. The priorities in primary and secondary prevention of CVD are also changing. Hence the constant need for studies of adequate quality, in particular for repeat cross-sectional studies in the same regions, to detect any changes in the rates of morbidity, mortality, and incidence of RF. This communication can provide only basic information serving as a guide for the clinical cardiologist and facilitating a critical review of epidemiological studies and trials, which today are the mainstay of evidence-based medicine. The task of preventive cardiology is to share knowledge about the causes of CVD and about options in the prevention and treatment of CVD while providing adequate care and information to anybody, not only those requiring them but, also, those who need them.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Cardiovascular disease; Study principles; Study methodology

Published: February 1, 2008  Show citation