Trends in cardiovascular risk factors in East Germany: Three independent population studies as part of the project MONICA East Germany

Objective: To demonstrate trends in cardiovascular risk factors in the population of former East Germany. Patients and methods: As part of the international World Health Organisation's MONICA project ("MONItoring of Trends and Determinants of CArdiovascular Disease"), cross-sectional studies of independent random samples were undertaken, during three periods between 1982 and 1994, among the 24-64 year age groups in the population of East Germany. Those examined were 8470 (1982 - 1984), 9533 (1987 - 1989) and 2330 (1991 - 1994) men and women aged 25-64 years living in 17 legions (until 1989) and three regions (since 1991), respectively. Each person had standardized blood pressure measurements, His/her weight and height were measured, a blood sample was taken, and each was given a standardized interview by trained personnel. Results: The prevalence of hypertension, ca. 30 % overall, was relatively high. There was, however, a tendency over time towards a reduced prevalence among the women, from 29 % to 25 % (P < 0.05). The proportion of effectively treated hypertensives was clearly too low: 12 - 14% among men, 20 - 25 % among women. There was a slightly downward trend in the frequency of hypercholesterolaemia (> 6.7 mmol/l), but it was statistically significant only for women. The proportion of markedly overweight persons (body mass index greater than or equal to 30) was not significantly reduced. The frequency of regular smokers decreased among men from 41 % to 35 % (P < 0.05), while among women (especially those in the younger age groups) there was a slight increase. Conclusions: Despite the known importance of risk factors, their prevalence was not significantly changed in East Germany over a period about 10 years. More effort and population-related primary prevention of coronary heart disease will thus be required, particularly in view of the risk factors cigarette smoking and hypertension.