ORIGINAL ARTICLE Did favourable trends in food consumption observed in the 1984-2001 period contribute to the decrease in cardiovascular mortality? – Pol-MONICA Warsaw Project

Abstract

Aim: To compare food consumption trends (1984-2001) with cardiovascular mortality trends (1984-2002) in an adult population of right-bank Warsaw residents and establish the delay between dietary changes and mortality reduction. Methods: Cardiovascular mortality rates for the 1984-2002 period, calculated based on the Central Statistical Office data and the results of individual evaluation of nutrition patterns in 4 independent Pol-MONICA cross-sectional studies (1984, 1988, 1993 and 2001) were analysed. Results:The cardiovascular mortality rate in right-bank Warsaw inhabitants tended to increase until 1991, and then a decline was observed – in 2002 in comparison to 1991 the mortality rate in both genders decreased by over 50%. From 1984 to 2001 a significant decrease in the following dietary factors was found: total energy intake, dietary cholesterol, and Keys score reflecting atherogenicity of the diet and animal fats. In contrast trends of vegetable fats intake increased. The favourable changes in the dietary habits of Warsaw inhabitants were correlated with the reduction of cardiovascular mortality (R2 within the range of 0.35-0.95), and the strongest relationship between these facts occurred after 7 years. Conclusions: A positive tendency observed with respect to nutrition patterns of right-bank Warsaw inhabitants contributed to the reduction of cardiovascular mortality.