The Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Polish Soldiers: The Results from the MIL-SCORE Program.

Grzegorz Gielerak,Joanna Maksimczuk,Monika Grzęda,Beata Uziębło-Życzkowska,Adam Stańczyk,Sylwia Miernik-Podleśko,Lidia Wojda,Katarzyna Piotrowicz,Andrzej Skrobowski,Marek Kiliszek,Paweł Krzesiński,Agata Galas,Emilia Sopolińska,Piotr Murawski,Anna Kaźmierczak-Dziuk

doi:10.1155/2020/3973526

Abstract

The MIL-SCORE (Equalization of Accessibility to Cardiology Prophylaxis and Care for Professional Soldiers) program was designed to assess the prevalence and management of cardiovascular risk factors in a population of Polish soldiers. We aimed to describe the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the MIL-SCORE population with respect to age. This observational cross-sectional study enrolled 6440 soldiers (97% male) who underwent a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to assess cardiovascular risk. Almost half of the recruited soldiers were past or current smokers (46%). A sedentary lifestyle was reported in almost one-third of those over 40 years of age. The prevalence of hypertension in a subgroup over 50 years of age was almost 45%. However, the percentage of unsatisfactory blood pressure control was higher among soldiers below 40 years of age. The prevalence of overweight and obese soldiers increased with age and reached 58% and 27%, respectively, in those over 50 years of age. Total cholesterol was increased in over one-half of subjects, and the prevalence of abnormal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was even higher (60%). Triglycerides were increased in 36% of soldiers, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hyperglycemia were reported in 13% and 16% of soldiers, respectively. In the >50 years of age subgroup, high and very high cardiovascular risk scores were observed in almost one-third of soldiers. The relative risk assessed in younger subgroups was moderate or high. The results from the MIL-SCORE program suggest that Polish soldiers have multiple cardiovascular risk factors and mirror trends seen in the general population. Preventive programs aimed at early cardiovascular risk assessment and modification are strongly needed in this population.

Highlights

Despite the remarkable progress in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in Europe [1]
We demonstrated that in the 20–30 years of age group the absolute number of cardiovascular factors is very low
Soldiers are regarded as the epitome of health and fitness

Summary

Introduction

Despite the remarkable progress in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in Europe [1]. One of the reasons for this issue is the rising prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, subclinical atherosclerosis, and minimal effectiveness of prevention programs [1]. E growing population of young and middle-aged patients presenting with increased CV risk is distressing. It is widely accepted that professional soldiers should not have CVDs. even when carefully selected in terms of exercise and general health, they are not free from CV risk factors. Webber et al [4] showed a 12.1% prevalence of atherosclerosis (coronary or aortic) in a cross-sectional study conducted among United States military service members who died in combat operations (n 3832; mean age: 25.9 years; data from autopsy). [5] revealed that CV risk factors were present in over 50% of soldiers. Exposure to extensive stress and threats in combat conditions were suggested to have an additive detrimental effect [5]

Objectives

Methods

Results