CCCardiol CroatCardiologia CroaticaCardiol. Croat.1848-543X1848-5448Croatian Cardiac SocietyCC_13(11-12)_47910.15836/ccar2018.479Extended AbstractWhat have we learned from the "North Karelia" project?Što smo naučili od ”North Karelia“ projektahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1420-5918BrajkovićIvona12*https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4473-5431PeršićViktor123https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4990-6201Kužet MiokovićIrena12https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9539-9733Komosar CvetkovićMarica12https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5344-5052ŠorićPaolo1Klinika za liječenje, prevenciju i rehabilitaciju bolesti srca i krvnih žila Thalassotherapia Opatija, Opatija, HrvatskaSveučilište u Rijeci, Fakultet zdravstvenih studija, Rijeka, HrvatskaSveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Rijeka, HrvatskaClinic for treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases “Thalassotherapia Opatija”, Opatija, CroatiaUniversity of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, CroatiaUniversity of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine, Rijeka, CroatiaADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Ivona Brajković, Klinika za liječenje, rehabilitaciju i prevenciju bolesti srca i krvnih žila “Thalassotherapia Opatija“, M. Tita 188/1, HR-51410 Opatija, Croatia. / Phone: +385-51-202-600 / E-mail: brajkovic.ivona1@gmail.com1120181311-1247947928102018051120182018Croatian Cardiac SocietyKLJUČNE RIJEČI: North Karelia projektsekundarna prevencijapersonalizirana medicinaKEYWORDS: North Karelia projectsecondary preventionpersonalized medicine
In early 1970s mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was highest in Finland, especially in Finnish province North Karelia. (1) With cooperation and support from World Health Organization (WHO) in 1972. began a North Karelia project with main goals as follows: mortality reductions from CVD and other chronic, non-infectious disease, and promotions of healthy lifestyles. (2) Pilot project lasted for 5 years and it had achieved impressive results and became a demonstration model for promotion of a healthy way of living. Primary end-point was achieved with reductions of mortality rate from CVD in North Karelia province by 85% in 35 years. Main risk factors associated with unhealthy living style in North Karelia were physical inactivity, smoking and unhealthy diet which was rich in saturated fats. Integrated approach to prevention was the main core of the project and it led to achievement of general goal and health improvement. Project success was achieved with appropriate epidemiological and behavioral framework with limited and well-defined goals, flexible interventions, close collaboration with community associated with positive feedback, collaboration with media, international collaboration, WHO support and long-term and dedicated leadership. Universal, determined program that is theory-based can have positive impact on risk factors and life-style changes. These life-style modifications are associated with positive changes in chronic diseases and overall health of population. Big national program can be a strong tool for favorable national development in prevention of chronic diseases and health promotion. If we look at this project, we can produce new perspectives for structural, stratified and relevant approach to health care which relies on personalized medicine, and which incorporate predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory access to each individual.
LITERATURELaatikainenTCritchleyJVartiainenESalomaaVKetonenMCapewellS. Explaining the decline in coronary heart disease mortality in Finland between 1982 and 1997. . 2005 Oct 15;162(8):764–73. 10.1093/aje/kwi27416150890Puska P. Successful prevention of non-communicable diseases: 25 year experiences with North Karelia Project in Finland. Public Health Medicine 2002; 4(1):5-7. Available from: https://www.who.int/chp/media/en/north_karelia_successful_ncd_prevention.pdf (October 10, 2018).