RESUMO
Background and aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses significant health challenges globally. While substantial data exists for most populations, the Arctic Inuit's CVD incidence rates remain understudied. This research aimed to change this by estimating CVD incidence and mortality rates in Greenland from 1994 to 2021. Methods: Using nationwide registers, a retrospective observational study was conducted, focusing on individuals born in Greenland to Greenlandic-born parents. Data were sourced from the Greenlandic Hospital Discharge Register and the nationwide electronic medical record. Results: A total of 65,824 individuals were included. the age- and sex-specific incidence rates (IR) of ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure (HF) declined from 1994 to 2021, with the most substantial decline observed for HF among women. Conversely, the IR of atrial fibrillation/flutter increased in both men and women, while the IR of myocardial infarction rose among men. The IR for stroke was particularly elevated compared to other CVD subgroups. Mortality rates for those diagnosed with CVD were 2.4 times higher than those without. Men exhibited a 40 % elevated mortality risk relative to women. Conclusion: The study provides pivotal insights into CVD trends within the Arctic Inuit population, highlighting both positive developments and areas of concern. Given the increasing elderly demographic in Greenland, proactive health strategies are crucial. Emphasizing primary prevention and addressing specific CVD risks, particularly the elevated stroke IR, is imperative for future public health efforts.
RESUMO
Heart Failure (HF) constitutes a significant burden for healthcare around the world. In Greenland, risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and obesity are prevalent. Yet, the prevalence of HF remains unexplored. This register-based cross-sectional study uses data from the national medical record in Greenland to estimate the age- and gender-specific prevalence of HF and to describe the characteristics of patients with HF in Greenland. A total of 507 patients (26% women) with a mean age of 65 years were included based on a diagnosis of HF. The overall prevalence was 1.1% and higher among men compared to women (1.6% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.05). The highest prevalence was among men above 84 years (11.1%). More than half (53%) had a body mass index above 30 kg/m2 and 43% were current daily smokers. The proportion diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was 33%. The overall prevalence of HF in Greenland is consistent with that in other high-income countries, yet high among men in some age groups, compared to Danish men. Almost half the patients were obese and/or smokers. A low prevalence of IHD was observed indicating that other factors may play a role in developing HF among Greenlanders.
