RESEARCH

 

Cardiovascular risk factor trends and potential for reducing coronary heart disease mortality in the United States of America

 

Tendances des facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire et possibilités de réduire la mortalité par cardiopathie coronarienne aux États-Unis d'Amérique

 

Tendencias de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y potencial de reducción de la mortalidad por cardiopatía coronaria en los Estados Unidos de América

 

 

Simon CapewellI,*; Earl S FordII; Janet B CroftIII; Julia A CritchleyIV; Kurt J GreenlundIII; Darwin R LabartheIII

IDivision of Public Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, England
IIDivision of Adult and Community Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America (USA)
IIIDivision for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
IVInstitute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, England

 

 


ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential for reducing cardiovascular risk factors in the United States of America enough to cause age-adjusted coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates to drop by 20% (from 2000 baseline figures) by 2010, as targeted under the Healthy People 2010 initiative.
METHODS: Using a previously validated, comprehensive CHD mortality model known as IMPACT that integrates trends in all the major cardiovascular risk factors, stratified by age and sex, we calculated how much CHD mortality would drop between 2000 and 2010 in the projected population of the United States aged 25-84 years (198 million). We did this for three assumed scenarios: (i) if recent risk factor trends were to continue to 2010; (ii) success in reaching all the Healthy People 2010 risk factor targets, and (iii) further drops in risk factors, to the levels already seen in the low-risk stratum.
FINDINGS: If age-adjusted CHD mortality rates observed in 2000 remained unchanged, some 388 000 CHD deaths would occur in 2010. First scenario: if recent risk factor trends continued to 2010, there would be approximately 19 000 fewer deaths than in 2000. Although improved total cholesterol, lowered blood pressure in men, decreased smoking and increased physical activity would account for some 51 000 fewer deaths, these would be offset by approximately 32 000 additional deaths from adverse trends in obesity and diabetes and in blood pressure in women. Second scenario: If Healthy People 2010 cardiovascular risk factor targets were reached, approximately 188 000 CHD deaths would be prevented. Scenario three: If the cardiovascular risk levels of the low-risk stratum were reached, approximately 372 000 CHD deaths would be prevented.
CONCLUSION: Achievement of the Healthy People 2010 cardiovascular risk factor targets would almost halve the predicted CHD death rates. Additional reductions in major risk factors could prevent or postpone substantially more deaths from CHD.


RÉSUMÉ

OBJECTIF: Étudier les possibilités de réduire les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire aux États-Unis d'Amérique de manière à ce que la mortalité par cardiopathie coronarienne (CC) ajustée pour l'âge baisse de 20 % d'ici à 2010 (par rapport aux données de mortalité de l'année 2000, servant de référence), objectif visé par l'Initiative Healthy People 2010.
MÉTHODES: En faisant appel à un modèle de mortalité détaillé et antérieurement validé appelé IMPACT, qui intègre les tendances des principaux facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire, stratifiées selon l'âge et le sexe, nous avons calculé de combien baisserait la mortalité par CC entre 2000 et 2010 dans la population projetée des États-Unis d'Amérique pour la tranche d'âges 25-84 ans (198 millions). Nous avons effectué ce calcul pour trois scénarios hypothétiques : (i) poursuite jusqu'en 2010 des tendances récemment observées pour les facteurs des risque ; (ii) réalisation de tous les objectifs relatifs aux facteurs de risque de l'Initiative Healthy People 2010 et (iii) diminutions supplémentaires des facteurs de risque jusqu'aux niveaux déjà relevés dans la strate de faible risque.
RÉSULTATS: Si les taux de mortalité par CC ajustés pour l'âge enregistrées en 2000 n'évoluent pas, quelque 388 000 décès par CC se produiront en 2010. Premier scénario : si les tendances récemment observées pour les facteurs de risque se poursuivent jusqu'en 2010, on devrait enregistrer environ 19 000 de moins qu'en 2000. La baisse de la mortalité qui devrait résulter de l'amélioration du taux de cholestérol total et de la baisse de la tension artérielle chez les hommes, ainsi que du recul du tabagisme et de l'augmentation de l'activité physique (quelque 51 000 décès en moins) devrait en effet être compensée par environ 32 000 décès supplémentaires dus aux tendances à la hausse de l'obésité et des diabètes chez les deux sexes et de la tension artérielle chez les femmes. Deuxième scénario : si les objectifs de l'Initiative Healthy People 2010 concernant les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire sont réalisés, 188 000 décès par CC environ seront évités. Troisième scénario ; si les niveaux de risque cardiovasculaire de la strate à faible risque sont atteints, 372 000 décès par CC environ devraient pouvoir être évités.
CONCLUSION: La réalisation des objectifs relatifs aux facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire de l'Initiative Healthy People 2010 devrait presque réduire de moitié les taux de mortalité par CC prévus. Des réductions supplémentaires des principaux facteurs de risque pourraient prévenir ou différer substantiellement plus de décès par CC.


RESUMEN

OBJETIVO: Estudiar las posibilidades de reducir los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en los Estados Unidos en la medida necesaria para conseguir una caída del 20% (respecto a las cifras de 2000) de la mortalidad por cardiopatía coronaria (CC) ajustada por edad para 2010, conforme a la meta de la iniciativa Healthy People 2010.
MÉTODOS: Utilizando un modelo detallado y previamente validado de mortalidad por CC conocido como IMPACT, que integra las tendencias de los principales factores de riesgo cardiovascular, estratificados por edad y sexo, calculamos cuánto disminuiría la mortalidad por CC entre 2000 y 2010 en la población de 25 a 84 años prevista para Estados Unidos (198 millones) en cada uno de los tres escenarios siguientes: (i) prolongación de las tendencias recientes de los factores de riesgo hasta 2010; (ii) logro de las metas de Healthy People 2010 respecto a los factores de riesgo, y (iii) caídas adicionales de los factores de riesgo hasta los niveles correspondientes al estrato de bajo riesgo.
RESULTADOS: Si se mantienen las tasas de mortalidad por CC ajustadas por edad observadas en 2000, en 2010 se registrarán unas 388 000 muertes por CC. Primer escenario: si se prolongaran las tendencias recientes de los factores de riesgo hasta 2010, se registrarían aproximadamente 19 000 defunciones menos que en 2000. Pese a que las disminuciones del colesterol total y de la tensión arterial entre los hombres, unidas al menor consumo de tabaco y el aumento de la actividad física, reducirían en 51 000 el número de muertes, esa cifra se vería contrarrestada por las aproximadamente 32 000 defunciones provocadas por las tendencias adversas de la obesidad, la diabetes y la hipertensión entre las mujeres. Segundo escenario: si se alcanzan las metas de Healthy People 2010 referentes a los factores de riesgo cardiovascular, podrían prevenirse en torno a 188 000 defunciones por CC. Tercer escenario: si se generalizaran los niveles de riesgo cardiovascular del estrato de bajo riesgo, podrían prevenirse unas 372 000 defunciones por cardiopatía coronaria.
CONCLUSIÓN: Si se alcanzaran las metas de Healthy People 2010 sobre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular, se reducirían casi a la mitad las tasas de mortalidad previstas por CC, y toda disminución adicional de los factores de riesgo principales podría tener aún un efecto considerable en ese sentido.



 

 

Introduction

Coronary heart disease (CHD) accounted for over 450 000 deaths in the United States of America in 2004.1,2 The burden of CHD in the United States is enormous; more than 13 million people are affected, and the costs of direct health care exceed US$ 150 billion annually.1,2

Since the late 1970s, age-adjusted CHD mortality rates have been halved in most industrialized countries, including the United States. However, between 1990 and 2000 this decrease diminished, and in younger age groups it nearly ceased.1,2 Many adults in the United States are still at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Total blood cholesterol levels exceed 200 mg/dl among more than 100 million adults; approximately 70 million have or are being treated for high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 90 mmHg), and over 50 million people still smoke.2-4

The Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) initiative promoted by the government of the United States contains targets for heart disease and stroke that explicitly address risk factor prevention, detection and management, along with prevention of recurrent events. HP2010 objectives include a 20% reduction in age-adjusted CHD mortality rates (from an overall rate of 203 per 100 000 population in 1998 to 162 per 100 000 in 2010).3 They also include specific targets for reducing mean total blood cholesterol (to 199 mg/dl), smoking (to 12% of the population), hypertension (to 16%), diabetes (to 6%), obesity (to 15%) and inactivity (to 20%).3 Inactivity was measured in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the proportion of adults engaging in no physical activity.5 If those targets are achieved, what reduction in CHD mortality might actually result by 2010?

Large meta-analyses and cohort studies have consistently demonstrated substantial reductions in CHD deaths related to decreases in each of the major cardiovascular risk factors among individuals covered by the studies.6-8 However, it is difficult to attribute a decline in the mortality rate for an entire population either to specific risk factor changes or to more effective medical interventions because favourable trends in both have often occurred simultaneously.9,10 Furthermore, risk factor improvements, such as lower blood pressure or total blood cholesterol, may be achieved through medications, lifestyle changes or a combination.1,2,8-10

A variety of CHD policy models have been developed to estimate the relative contributions and hence the population impact of medical and public health interventions. Good models are able to integrate and simultaneously consider large amounts of data on patient numbers, treatments and population risk factor trends.9-11 The CHD Policy Model developed in the United States was used successfully to examine risk factor trends in that country between 1980 and 19909 and later demonstrated the potential advantages of a population-based approach to prevention,12 consistent with European studies.13-15 Capewell et al. subsequently developed and refined a CHD mortality model called IMPACT and applied it in a variety of populations.10,16-19 Approximately 44% of the substantial CHD mortality decline in the United States between 1980 and 2000 was attributable to changes in major risk factors, and 47% to specific cardiological treatments.10 These findings resembled those from other industrialized countries.16,17,19,20

Three earlier analyses suggested that further modest reductions in major risk factors could halve CHD deaths in the United Kingdom.15,21-23 To determine if similar gains could be attained for the population of the United States or if they would be rendered unattainable by recent dramatic rises in obesity and diabetes, we used the previously calibrated IMPACT model10 for the United States to estimate the number of CHD deaths that could be prevented or postponed in 2010, compared with the number in 2000. The model was applied to three contrasting scenarios. In the third, most optimistic scenario, the prevalence of risk factors in the entire population was assumed to have reached the ideal levels already reported in "low-risk stratum" cohorts.24,25

 

Methods

The IMPACT model aims to explain the changes in CHD mortality rates observed in a population. It quantifies the contribution from temporal trends in the major population risk factors (smoking, high systolic blood pressure, elevated total blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity) and from medical and surgical treatments given to CHD patients.10,17,26 The model employs regression coefficients produced by large meta-analyses and cohort studies.6-8 Each coefficient quantifies the independent (log linear) relationship between the absolute change in a specific cardiovascular risk factor, such as high systolic blood pressure or total blood cholesterol, and the consequent change in population mortality rates from CHD (Table 1).6-8 For each risk factor, the subsequent reduction in deaths between base year 2000 and 2010 could then be estimated as the product of three variables:

Number of CHD deaths prevented = number of CHD deaths observed in 2000 x the risk factor reduction x the specific regression coefficient exponentiated10,22,23

All the coefficients and relative risk values were obtained from multivariate logistic regression analyses and were assumed to be independent, having been adjusted for potential confounding from the other major risk factors. The total deaths prevented could therefore be summed. Independent regression coefficients were not available for smoking, diabetes or physical inactivity. Thus, we used an alternative method that involved population-attributable risk fractions9,21,22 calculated for the INTERHEART study, a large, international multivariate analysis that included data from the United States27 (Table 2).

 

 

The original 1980-2000 IMPACT model10 was extended to 2010 using United States Census Bureau population projections and mortality data for men and women aged 25-84 years. The number of CHD deaths (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10: I20-I25) expected in 2010 was then calculated under three contrasting risk factor scenarios.

Risk factor scenarios

In the first scenario, we assumed that recent risk factor trends would continue to 2010. Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1988-1994, NHANES 1999-2002, and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (1988-2002),3,4 we made linear projections from 1988-1994 through 1999-2002 to the country's population in 2010 of recent trends in mean total blood cholesterol (mg/dl), population smoking prevalence (%), mean systolic blood pressure (mmHg), mean body mass index (BMI, in kg/m2), population prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes types 1 and 2 (%) and population prevalence of any leisure-time physical activity (%), all stratified by age and sex (Table 3).10,22,23

In the second scenario, we assumed that risk factor levels had dropped in accordance with the substantial but feasible reductions defined in the HP2010 objectives.3 In the absence of specific HP2010 targets for mean BMI, total diabetes prevalence and mean systolic blood pressure, we assumed that: (i) the 15% obesity target would equate to a population mean BMI of 25 kg/m2 for men and 26 kg/m2 for women; (ii) the 25 per 1000 population clinically diagnosed diabetes prevalence target would equate to a total (diagnosed and undiagnosed) type 1 and type 2 diabetes prevalence of 6%; and (iii) the 16% hypertension prevalence target would equate to a population mean systolic blood pressure of 119 mmHg, representing a 5 mmHg reduction from 2000 levels (Table 3).

In the third scenario, mean population risk factors were assumed to drop to the levels already observed in the "healthiest" stratum of cohorts in the United States, as defined by Stamler et al.24 and Daviglus et al.25 Levels for specific risk factors were as follows: (i) no smoking among men or women;(ii) mean total cholesterol of 175.6 mg/dl (4.54 mmol/l) for men and 179.6 mg/dl (4.64 mmol/l) for women; (iii) mean systolic blood pressure of 115.7 mmHg for men and 114.7 mmHg for women, representing a 10 mmHg reduction from 2000 levels; (iv) a mean BMI of 25.5 kg/m2 for men and 23.6 kg/m2 for women; and (v) zero prevalence of diabetes among both men and women.24,25 Physical activity was not specifically considered in these studies,24,25 so we defined the level in the lowest risk stratum as 100%, with everyone undertaking some leisure-time physical activity (Table 3).

To preserve the focus on risk factor changes, we assumed that the proportion of the population receiving medical and surgical treatments for CHD would remain constant.

Sensitivity analysis

Because of the uncertainties surrounding some of the estimates, a multi-way sensitivity analysis was performed using the analysis of extremes method.28 Minimum and maximum estimates of deaths prevented or postponed were generated using minimum and maximum plausible values for the main parameters: 95% confidence intervals (CIs) when available; otherwise, the best value ± 20%.10,22,23,28 Appendix A (available at: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/data/356/23/2388/DC1/1) provides worked examples of the calculations used in the model plus further details on the methods and data sources used.10

 

Results

Trends and estimates

Approximately 388 000 CHD deaths among people aged 25-84 years would be expected in 2010 if the same age-specific death rates recorded in 2000 (the base year) were also observed in 2010. This number would represent 15% more deaths than the 338 000 observed in 2000, a reflection of population ageing compounded by an increase in population size (Table 4).

Between 1997 and 2002, the overall annual declines observed in CHD mortality rates were 2% for men and 1% for women. However, declines were minimal among men younger than 45 years of age, and increases were seen among women in that age group.

Three of the six major risk factors declined between 1988 and 2002, while obesity and diabetes increased. Systolic blood pressure rates rose among women and fluctuated among men. If the same trends continued, the overall result would be approximately 19 000 fewer deaths in 2010 than in 2000 (minimum estimate: 10 000; maximum estimate: 25 000). This represents some 51 000 fewer deaths because of improvements in mean total cholesterol and mean blood pressure in men, less the prevalence of smoking and of increased physical activity, minus approximately 32 000 additional deaths attributable to adverse trends in obesity, diabetes and mean blood pressure in women (Table 5).

Approximately 188 000 fewer CHD deaths than in 2000 (minimum estimate: 129 000; maximum estimate: 252 000) could be achieved by reaching the specific reductions in cardiovascular risk factors called for in HP2010: (i) approximately 40 000 fewer deaths if population mean blood cholesterol levels declined to 199 mg/dl (5.15 mmol/l) among both men and women; (ii) approximately 26 000 fewer deaths if the smoking prevalence fell to 12% among both men and women; (iii) approximately 48 000 fewer deaths, mean systolic blood pressure were to drop to 119.4 mmHg among men and 118.9 mmHg among women (representing a 5 mmHg reduction in all age groups); (iv) approximately 12 000 fewer deaths, if physical activity rates rose to 80% among both men and women; (v) approximately 17 000 fewer deaths if mean BMI decreased substantially, to 25.0 kg/m2 for men and 26.0 kg/m2 for women; and (vi) approximately 44 000 fewer deaths if total diabetes prevalence dropped to 6% among both men and women.

If the ideal scenario were achieved and mean population cardiovascular risk factors were reduced to the levels already observed in the healthiest stratum of cohorts,24,25 approximately 372 000 CHD deaths (minimum estimate: 281 000; maximum estimate: 507 000) could be prevented or postponed (Fig. 1). The 372 000 fewer deaths would be distributed as follows: (i) approximately 103 000 fewer deaths if population mean blood cholesterol levels declined to 175.6 mg/dl (4.54 mmol/l) among men and 179.6 mg/dl (4.64 mmol/l) among women; (ii) approximately 60 000 fewer deaths if smoking prevalence fell to zero; (iii) approximately 83 000 fewer deaths if mean systolic blood pressure dropped by 10 mmHg, to 115.7 mmHg for men and114.7 mmHg for women; (iv) approximately 34 000 fewer deaths if all men and women were physically active; (v) approximately 21 000 fewer deaths if mean BMI decreased to 25.5 in men and 23.6 in women; and (vi) approximately 72 000 fewer deaths if the prevalence of diabetes were zero (Table 5).

 

 

Estimated mortality benefits

Under the scenario in which current trends continued, approximately 16 000 fewer deaths would occur among men and 3000 among women. In the two more optimistic scenarios, men would consistently benefit more than women, gaining 54% of the 188 000 fewer deaths under the HP2010 reductions scenario and 62% of the 372 000 fewer deaths if low-risk stratum levels are assumed (Table 5). Gains would predominantly occur among men aged 45-84 years and among women aged 65-84 years (Fig. 2). Of the 372 000 fewer deaths in the most optimistic scenario, 252 000 (68%) would represent premature deaths prevented or postponed, that is, deaths among those under 75 years of age (Table 6).

 

 

Using extensive sensitivity analyses, we examined the impact of higher and lower values for model parameters.28 Changing the values influenced the number of deaths postponed or prevented but did not alter the relative contribution of each risk factor (Table 5, columns 5 and 6). Thus, regardless of whether best, minimum or maximum estimates were considered, the most substantial contributions came from the changes in blood cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking (Table 5).

 

Discussion

Success in achieving the HP2010 targets could almost halve predicted CHD deaths in 2010, or indeed in 2015. Our findings are reassuringly consistent with earlier studies in England,23 Scotland22 and the United States.12 In the United Kingdom, a modest reduction in mean population blood cholesterol level from 225 mg/dl to 200 mg/dl could reduce CHD deaths by approximately half.14,15,24 In contrast, a rather optimistic 25% reduction in the prevalence of obesity would probably prevent just 2% of CHD deaths.15,24 A corresponding 25% reduction in the prevalence of inactivity might prevent 1% of CHD deaths.15,29

Although CHD death rates have been falling in the United States for four decades, they are now levelling off in young men and women.2 Recent declines in total blood cholesterol have been modest, blood pressure is now rising among women and obesity and diabetes are rising steeply in both sexes. Furthermore, population ageing will increase the numbers of CHD deaths in the United States and elsewhere.30

There is no room for complacency. If recent risk factor trends continue, there should be approximately 20 000 fewer deaths from CHD in 2010 than in 2000. This reflects some 50 000 fewer deaths expected from improvements in total blood cholesterol, smoking, physical activity and blood pressure in males, but more than half of this gain would be offset by approximately 30 000 additional deaths owing to higher obesity and diabetes rates, plus a rise in systolic blood pressure among women. Increasing treatments could not compensate for these worsening risk factors. In 2000, barely 40% of eligible patients received appropriate therapies.10 Even raising this proportion to an optimistic 50% would only postpone approximately 60 000 additional deaths in 2010.31

Successfully achieving the specific risk factor reduction targets proposed in the HP2010 could prevent or postpone approximately 190 000 CHD deaths. This would potentially halve the CHD mortality burden seen in 2000. The HP2010 objectives for blood cholesterol and physical activity remain potentially attainable. However, attaining the targets for blood pressure among women, obesity and diabetes appears more challenging because recent adverse trends would have to be reversed.3

Successfully reducing population risk factor levels to those already seen in the healthiest (low-risk) stratum could result in approximately 370 000 fewer CHD deaths among people aged 25-84 years in the United States. This figure would represent a 96% decrease in the 388 000 CHD deaths observed in 20001,3 and is somewhat larger than the 85% reduction predicted by other studies.24,25 Although probably an overestimate, the results for this third scenario show an aspirational ideal to highlight potential future gains. However, the low-risk stratum in the population of the United States remains frustratingly small, even when defined only by smoking, blood pressure and blood cholesterol: 6% in the 1970s32 and, even now, only 7.5% among whites and 4% among African Americans.33

Achieving reductions

Although fashionable, screening and treating high-risk individuals would necessitate medicating 15-25% of all adults.34,35 Furthermore, the key goal is not intervention but sustained risk factor reductions.35 The whole population approach described by Rose13 appears both more effective and cost-effective.13-15 Similar conclusions have been reported previously in Dutch, Finnish and American cohorts.12,35

Lowering total blood cholesterol should therefore remain a priority in the United States, as every 1 mg/dl decrease in cholesterol offers a potentially powerful 1% reduction in mortality.6 Large blood cholesterol declines have already been achieved by comprehensive national policies elsewhere (20% in Finland18 and 15% in Mauritius36). In contrast, the United States mean total blood cholesterol fell a mere 3% in adults (from 206 to 201 mg/dl) between 1988 and 2004.37 Furthermore, these levels remain well above the optimal, prompting recent national dietary policies to further reduce total blood cholesterol levels.2,3,38

Smoking prevalence remains above 20% overall in the United States and is even higher in specific groups. This represents substantial room for improvement. Success in reducing tobacco use requires two comprehensive strategies: preventing young people from starting to smoke, and promoting cessation among smokers.39 Success has been attained with intensive anti-smoking programmes in California (United States);40 advertising bans in Finland, Iceland and Norway; and smoke-free environment legislation in Ireland, Italy, Scotland and New York City in the United States,41 to cite some examples. It is encouraging that many more states in the United States are now passing laws requiring smoke-free environments.41

The recent blood pressure trends in women are alarming. High blood pressure is a powerful risk factor; every 1 mmHg reduction in the mean population systolic blood pressure could prevent approximately 10 000 CHD deaths each year in the United States.7 Furthermore, mean population blood pressure has been decreasing in most industrialized countries in recent decades as a result of dietary trends rather than use of medications.42-44 The American Public Health Association has called on industry to reduce the salt content of processed foods over the next decade, and this may contribute to meeting the dietary guidelines for daily sodium intake of < 2300 mg.44,45

As our analysis suggests, current adverse trends in the United States in obesity and diabetes prevalence and blood pressure in women will probably cause approximately 30 000 additional CHD deaths in 2010. Obese individuals with pre-diabetes can benefit from a combination of diet, exercise counselling and behaviour therapy,46 but prevention is preferable. Yet today's obesogenic environment is reinforced by powerful commercial, political, economic and social factors,47 and reversing these trends is a daunting task that will require substantial efforts.2,3,32

In the United States, recent increases in physical activity, echoing trends in Canada, Finland and elsewhere, are encouraging.5,18,48 Although engaging in adequate physical activity confers many health benefits, we found that in the United States, as elsewhere, reductions in CHD mortality would be modest.15,23 Interventions promoting physical activity among individuals seldom show long-term sustainability.48 However, physical activity in populations may be increased by 4% to 9% through multiple interventions.23,49

The IMPACT model

For our current analyses we used the validated IMPACT model for the United States.10 Recent high-quality data from NHANES and other large national studies reflect many events in a very large population. The model is comprehensive and transparent; it uses recent, reliable and reasonably precise age-specific regression coefficients from substantial meta-analyses6,7 and relative risk values obtained from the large INTERHEART study.27 Every key assumption is addressed and justified in Appendix A (available at: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/data/356/23/2388/DC1/1).

All models are simplifications of reality, with clear limitations. First, this model considered only mortality, not

morbidity. However, our estimates of fewer deaths can easily be translated into a 12-fold increase in life-years gained.50 Second, the model only explained 91% of the mortality decrease, leaving 9% unexplained. Third, several assumptions were necessary, one of them being that any delay in mortality reduction (lag time) would be relatively unimportant over a 10 year scenario.10,17,23 However, extending the projections from 2000-2010 to 2000-2015 would generate very similar results. Although all coefficients were independent, coming from multivariate logistic regression analyses,6,7,27 some may not have been fully adjusted and thus "residual confounding" may remain, along with some imprecision.10 Furthermore, the population-attributable risk approach may have slightly overestimated the contributions of diabetes, smoking and physical activity. Some net overestimation of benefits is thus possible, particularly for the ideal scenario. Conversely, underestimation was also possible because the model assumed similar change across the population. Larger reductions among older, more motivated individuals with higher mortality rates might generate greater benefits.

Model development and comparisons with other models may be useful, along with consideration of "novel" risk factors, such as high levels of C-reactive protein.2,3,51 For future studies, it may also be useful to perform economic and ethnic analyses and to validate the model using 2010 data when they become available. However, our rigorous sensitivity analyses were reassuring, for they suggest that the key findings are unlikely to change substantially.10,17,23 Moreover, even crude estimates are potentially valuable for planners and policy-makers.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing evidence-based policies to better control tobacco use and achieve a healthier diet across the population could potentially halve future CHD deaths in the United States.

 

Acknowledgements

We thank Wayne H Giles, Umed A Ajani and Thomas E Kottke for their helpful comments on the original model.

Funding: This study was supported by investigator salaries only - Higher Education Funding Council for England (SC, JAC) and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ESF, JBC, KJG, DRL).

Competing interests: None declared.

 

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(Submitted: 18 August 2008 - Revised version received: 30 December 2008 - Accepted: 7 June 2009 - Published online: 8 December 2009 )

 

 

* Correspondence to Simon Capewell (e-mail: capewell@liverpool.ac.uk).

World Health Organization Genebra - Genebra - Switzerland
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