Identifying associations between the social network index, its components, and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Polish adults. Results of the cross-sectional WOBASZ II study.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial risk factors are important determinants of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): people involved in positive relationships live longer than those with low social support (SS). AIMS: Our study aimed to evaluate the association between SS, components of the social network, and CVDs. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based survey WOBASZ II conducted in the years 2013-2014 included a sample of 6043 individuals, aged 20 and over, who completed the Berkman-Syme questionnaire to assess SS using the social network index (SNI). RESULTS: Higher percentage of low SS was observed in women (52.15%) compared to men (45.4%) (P <0.001). People with a low SNI had a worse CVD risk factor profile. None of the analyzed social contacts (with children, relatives, or friends), regardless of how satisfactory they were, was associated with CVDs in men. In women, satisfying contact with children or relatives appeared to be associated with better cardiovascular health. Furthermore, active participation in organized social activity increased the chance of arrhythmia in both sexes: 1.50 (1.04-2.15); P = 0.029 in men; 1.47 (1.11-1.95); P = 0.007 in women. Although a low SNI was associated with analyzed CVDs in the univariate analysis, it was not confirmed in the fully adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: More women had low SS compared to men. People with low SS had a worse CVD risk factor profile. There was a significant independent relationship between different components of the SNI, such as social contacts and CVDs in women and active participation in organized social activity and arrhythmia in both sexes.

Exercise-Induced Arrhythmia or Munchausen Syndrome in a Marathon Runner?

A 36-year-old professional marathon runner reported sudden irregular palpitations occurring during competitions, with heart rates (HR) up to 230 bpm recorded on a sports HR monitor (HRM) over 4 years. These episodes subsided upon the cessation of exercise. Electrocardiograms, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging results were borderline for athlete's heart. Because an electrophysiology study and standard exercise tests provoked no arrhythmia, doctors suspected Munchausen syndrome. Ultimately, an exercise test that simulated the physical effort of a competition provoked tachyarrhythmia consistent with the HRM readings. This case demonstrates the diagnostic difficulties related to exercise-induced arrhythmia and the diagnostic usefulness of sports HRMs.

Dietary Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Health-Editorial Comments and Summary.

The influence of dietary antioxidants on health is supported by a large body of evidence [...].

Dietary Antioxidants, Quality of Nutrition and Cardiovascular Characteristics among Omnivores, Flexitarians and Vegetarians in Poland-The Results of Multicenter National Representative Survey WOBASZ.

Several reports have shown that more plant-based dietary patterns provide a higher intake of antioxidants compared to diets rich in meat and animal products. Data on the intake of key nutrients in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in relation to particular diets in countries of Central and Eastern Europe are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess quality of nutrition and CVD characteristics in a representative sample of Polish adults following different dietary patterns. Special regard was paid to the intake of natural antioxidants. The study comprised 13,318 (7159 females) randomly selected adults aged ≥ 20 years participating in the National Multicentre Health Surveys WOBASZ and WOBASZ II. The subjects were categorized into groups of omnivores (92.4%), flexitarians (7.4%) and vegetarians (0.16%) according to type of diet using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 h dietary recall. The obtained results showed that neither flexitarians nor vegetarians represented better dietary habits or lifestyle behaviors compared to omnivores. Flexitarians had significantly lower daily energy intake than omnivores, but their diet was rich in total fat (above 30% of daily energy consumption) and low in fiber. Omnivores declared a higher consumption of fresh vegetables (p < 0.001), fresh fruit (p < 0.01), coffee (p < 0.01) and tea (p < 0.05, in women only) than flexitarians. Omnivores had significantly higher intake of natural antioxidants (vitamin C, E, zinc in both genders and vitamin A in men) as compared with flexitarians. Among women, the highest adherence to the intake of recommended amounts of antioxidant nutrients was noted among omnivores. Among men, vegetarians had the highest proportion of meeting the guidelines for vitamin A (77.8%), E (66.7%) and C (66.7%), while the lowest proportions were found in flexitarians (69.9%, 39.5% and 32.4%, respectively). The groups did not differ in terms of smoking and physical activity level. There were no significant differences in the analyzed CVD characteristics between omnivores and flexitarians. In women, vegetarians had substantially lower BMI than omnivores (p < 0.05) and flexitarians (p < 0.05) and a lower mean serum glucose compared with omnivores (p < 0.01) and flexitarians (p < 0.05). Vegetarians had lower prevalence of hypertension and obesity than meat eaters. In conclusion, the results of the current research showed an inappropriate intake of several nutrients, including highly potent antioxidants, irrespective of the dietary regimen. Flexitarians did not have a more favorable CVD profile than omnivores. Taking into account the growing popularity of diets with reduced animal products, there is a need to elaborate strategies providing Polish adults with guidance regarding properly balanced nutrition.

The role of life skills in developing an authentic leadership attitude in public health students: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Decision-making skills are considered crucial life skills that condition proper social functioning within groups (i.e., support authentic leadership skills and increasing one's chances of success and wellbeing in life). Nonetheless, the number of scientific papers addressing the role of life skills in developing authentic leadership skills in public health students is limited. The aim of the present study was to develop a theoretical model to determine the role of selected life skills in developing authentic leadership skills in public health students. METHODS: The study was conducted from January 16 through February 28, 2018. In total, 653 students undertaking in-service training in Master's degree programs qualified for the study, and complete data sets were obtained from 329 students (response rate 50.38%). The data were collected by means of a paper questionnaire. Four research tools were used in the study: The Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire, The Moral Foundations Questionnaire, The General Self-Efficacy Scale, and The Youth Leadership Life Skills Development Scale. RESULTS: Two subgroups were identified among the public health students in the study: 1) the extra life skills training group (N = 113) and 2) the no extra life skills training group (N = 216). Both groups of study participants did not differ significantly in terms of age (M (SD): 25.0 (3.89) vs. 25.0 (3.66); t = 0.068, P = 0.946). On the other hand, clear differences were observed in the case of the respondents' participation in voluntary service. The respondents from the extra life skills training group declared participation in voluntary activities less frequently than the respondents from the second identified group (48.7 vs. 31.9%). CONCLUSIONS: A verified theoretical model showed that course aimed at strengthening authentic leadership competences should be modular, should focus on self-improvement and critical reflection, and should be spread over time to enable and encourage each participant to grow and flourish at their own pace.

Amateur Athlete with Sinus Arrest and Severe Bradycardia Diagnosed through a Heart Rate Monitor: A Six-Year Observation-The Necessity of Shared Decision-Making in Heart Rhythm Therapy Management.

Heart rate monitors (HRMs) are used by millions of athletes worldwide to monitor exercise intensity and heart rate (HR) during training. This case report presents a 34-year-old male amateur soccer player with severe bradycardia who accidentally identified numerous pauses of over 4 s (maximum length: 7.3 s) during sleep on his own HRM with a heart rate variability (HRV) function. Simultaneous HRM and Holter ECG recordings were performed in an outpatient clinic, finding consistent 6.3 s sinus arrests (SA) with bradycardia of 33 beats/min. During the patient's hospitalization for a transient ischemic attack, the longest pauses on the Holter ECG were recorded, and he was suggested to undergo pacemaker implantation. He then reduced the volume/intensity of exercise for 4 years. Afterward, he spent 2 years without any regular training due to depression. After these 6 years, another Holter ECG test was performed in our center, not confirming the aforementioned disturbances and showing a tendency to tachycardia. The significant SA was resolved after a period of detraining. The case indicates that considering invasive therapy was unreasonable, and patient-centered care and shared decision-making play a key role in cardiac pacing therapy. In addition, some sports HRM with an HRV function can help diagnose bradyarrhythmia, both in professional and amateur athletes.

The level of knowledge of diabetic prevention in Poland - is there a phenomenon of pluralistic ignorance?

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this work is to assess the level of knowledge about diabetes prevention and the consequences of untreated diabetes in the Polish society, as well as to indicate the variables that have a significant impact on that knowledge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis is based on the results of the National Multicenter Health Survey - WOBASZ II. The number of subjects surveyed was 6170, including 2760 men and 3410 women, aged 20-74 years. Data on socio-demographic variables, lifestyle and subjective health assessment were collected using the face-to-face technique. RESULTS: The results obtained in the WOBASZ II project showed that >85% of the respondents had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge about diabetes prevention methods and approximately to 85% of the respondents - about the consequences of untreated diabetes. Moreover, one-fourth of the respondents were unable to identify a single way of preventing diabetes, and more than one-third could not identify a single disease caused by diabetes. The risk of a lack of knowledge about diabetes prevention and the consequences of untreated diabetes is more common for men, people with a low level of education, not married, non-diabetic, and without diagnosed diabetes in the family. CONCLUSIONS: The presented results indicate that there is an prevailing lack of knowledge about diabetes prevention and the consequences of untreated diabetes in the Polish society. It is associated with several variables like: sex, level of education, age, marital status, subjective health assessment and diabetes diagnosed in the respondent and/or in the respondent's family. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):667-78.

Increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Poland: comparison of the results of the WOBASZ (2003-2005) and WOBASZ II (2013-2014) studies.

INTRODUCTION Metabolic syndrome (MS) significantly increases cardiovascular risk. Knowledge about the current prevalence of MS in the Polish population is limited. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of MS in the Polish population based on the results of the WOBASZ II study (2013-2014) and to compare the obtained data with the results of the WOBASZ study (2003-2005). PATIENTS AND METHODS A representative sample of 19 751 Polish adults from the WOBASZ and WOBASZ II studies was analyzed. Diagnostic criteria for MS included abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose values, and lipid disorders; MS was diagnosed if at least 3 individual components were present. RESULTS Based on the WOBASZ II study (2013-2014), the prevalence of MS in Poland was 32.8% in women and 39% in men. In women, the most frequent component of MS was abdominal obesity (64.7%), while in men it was increased blood pressure (62%). In the decade between the WOBASZ and WOBASZ II studies, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of MS in Polish adults aged 20 to 74 years: by 3.3 percentage points in women (26.6% vs 29.9%; P <0.001) and by 8.8 percentage points in men (30.7% vs 39.4%; P <0.001). The increase in the frequency of carbohydrate metabolism disorders was the greatest contributor to this phenomenon; however, abdominal obesity and lipid disorders were also significantly more frequent. CONCLUSIONS It is alarming that in the decade between the WOBASZ and WOBASZ II studies there was such a significant increase in the prevalence of MS and its individual components in Poland.

Ten-year changes in adherence to a healthy lifestyle: the results of the WOBASZ surveys.

INTRODUCTION: The evidence on the beneficial role of low­risk characteristics is well established. However, data on trends in lifestyle patterns in Central Europe are limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this report was to determine changes in lifestyle patterns among adults in Poland between 2003 and 2014. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 12 857 adults aged 20 to 74 years (5986 men and 6871 women) participating in 2 nationwide representative surveys, the WOBASZ (2003-2005) and WOBASZ II (2013-2014). Low­risk characteristics included: nonsmoking, nonobese waist circumference, satisfactory physical activity, good-quality diet, and low saturated fat intake. The 5 characteristics cre­ ated a lifestyle index ranging from 0 to 5. A poor lifestyle was defined as the lifestyle index from 0 to 1. RESULTS: About 2% of the participants followed a healthy lifestyle, and 25%, a poor lifestyle in both surveys. The proportion of nonsmokers significantly increased (from 57.8% to 66.9% for men and from 72.6% to 77.1% for women). There was a significant decrease in the prevalence of nonobese waist circumference (from 75.4% to 71.3% among men and from 61.2% to 57.9% among women), adequate physical activity (from 37.5% to 27.5% among men and from 31.5% to 29% among women), and low saturated fat consumption (from 23.4% to 20.2% among men and from 26.1% to 23.7% among women). Lower educational attainment was the strongest sociodemographic factor contributing to a poor lifestyle (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate goal for the healthcare system should be to implement more effective interventions focused on promoting healthy lifestyle as a whole.

Vitamin D - dietary intake, supplementation and metabolic status of Polish adults

OBJECTIVES: Contrary to popular opinion on the preventive properties of vitamin D, results of previous studies have been inconclusive. The aim of this research was to evaluate the associations between the intake of vitamin D and metabolic abnormalities in a representative sample of Polish adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the framework of the Multi-Center National Population Health Examination Survey (referred to as WOBASZ), a random sample of 2381 adult residents of Poland (53.8% of whom were women) was examined. All the study subjects were extensively reviewed, including 24-h dietary recall. The intake of vitamin D was assessed on the basis of dietary and supplements reviews. Metabolic abnormalities were evaluated using measurements of waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), serum triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting glycemia. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation. RESULTS: Of all the study participants, about 4.4 % of women and 2.6% of men declared a regular supplementation of vitamin D. Among women, a significant inverse correlation between vitamin D supplementation and the mean systolic BP was found (p < 0.01). A more substantial relationship was noted after dividing the study subjects according to their body mass. Among obese men, there was a significant inverse relationship between vitamin D intake and the mean systolic BP (p < 0.01) and diastolic BP (p < 0.05), as well as a positive correlation with HDL-C (p < 0.05). Among obese women, a negative correlation was found between vitamin D supplementation and the mean systolic BP (p < 0.01) and diastolic BP (p < 0.05), and a positive correlation with TG (p < 0.05). Among non-obese male subjects, a negative correlation between vitamin D intake and WC was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained findings suggest that the correlation between vitamin D intake and metabolic abnormalities may depend on the obesity status. A higher vitamin D intake may reduce BP and increase HDL-C in obese subjects. The positive relationship between vitamin D intake and TG concentration in women needs further investigation. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(1):107-18.

Blood pressure and cholesterol control in patients with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia: the results from the Polish multicenter national health survey WOBASZ II.

INTRODUCTION: Persons with multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at a greater risk than persons exposed to a single risk factor. Control of specific risk factors of CVD in Poland is rather poor. Effective control of comorbid hypertension and hypercholesterolemia seems especially challenging. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the control of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in patients with both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia; data from the Polish multicenter national health survey, WOBASZ II, were analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The WOBASZ II study was a cross­sectional survey conducted from 2013 to 2014 in 6170 people (3410 women and 2760 men) from all 16 Polish voivodships. RESULTS: Age­standardized prevalence of coexisting hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in WOBASZ II sample was 34.6%. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in participants with hypertension was 69.7%. Age­standardized rates of control of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in the entire analyzed age range of 19 to 99 years was 24.3%, 11.2%, and 5.4%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression models, control of both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was associated with smoking (odds ratio [OR], 0.5; 95% CI, 0.34-0.76), cardiovascular disease (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.70-2.97), frequent medical visits (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.33-2.32), and high education level (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03-1.80). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were observed in one­third of the Polish population (included in WOBASZ II study). Only 5.4% have both risk factors controlled. After adjustment for covariates, female sex, nonsmoking, comorbid CVD or diabetes, the frequency of medical visits, and high level of education appeared to increase the proportion of controlled hypertension or hypercholesterolemia.

Evaluation of the Heart Function of Swimmers Subjected to Exhaustive Repetitive Endurance Efforts During a 500-km Relay.

Aim: Knowledge of the human body's ability to adapt to repeated endurance efforts during swimming is limited. We echocardiographically assessed the impact of an exhausting and repetitive swimming effort on cardiac activity. Materials: Fourteen well-trained amateur swimmers (8 female swimmers aged 16-43 years and 6 male swimmers aged 13-67 years old) participated in an ultramarathon relay. Over 5 days, swimmers swam 500 km in the Warta River (in 5-km intervals). Each swimmer swam seven intervals, each within 44:46 to 60:02 min. Objective difficulties included low water temperatures, strong winds, rain, and night conditions. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed three times: at baseline (the day before exertion), at peak effort, and during recovery (48 h after the event). The heart rate (HR) of each swimmer was monitored. Results: Swimmers completed the ultramarathon relay within approximately 91 h. The average HR value at the end of each interval was 91% HRmax. TTE test results showed no significant changes indicative of deterioration of myocardial function at peak effort or after 48 h. Significant increases in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV fractional shortening (LVFS), LV myocardial systolic velocity, and right ventricular (RV) fractional area changes observed on day 2 after swimming were compared to baseline values and peak effort values. No significant changes in diastolic heart function were observed. Conclusion: Echocardiography assessment indicated that prolonged intense swimming does not affect LV or RV function. Supercompensation of the post-event RV function and increased global LV systolic function demonstrated ventricular interaction after prolonged intense swimming.

Polyphenols and dietary antioxidant potential, and their relationship with arterial hypertension: A cross-sectional study of the adult population in Poland (WOBASZ II).

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of most non-communicable diseases, including arterial hypertension (AH). Diet is the major source of exogenous antioxidants, which support the body in the elimination of excessive free radicals. OBJECTIVES: To assess dietary total antioxidant potential (DTAP) and dietary polyphenol intake (DPI), and to determine the relationship between DTAP, DPI and hypertension in the Polish adult population; to indicate dietary sources of DTAP and DPI in participants with and without AH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the frame of the National Multicenter Health Survey (WOBASZ II), a random sample of the whole Polish population aged 20 years and above was screened during the years 2013-2014. Dietary habits and blood pressure were assessed in 2,554 men and 3,136 women. Dietary total antioxidant potential and DPI were calculated according to the amount of food consumed by the participants combined with the antioxidant potential and polyphenol contents in foods. RESULTS: The mean DTAP was 12.36 mmol/day in men and 12.27 mmol/day in women, and DPI was 2069 mg/day and 1989 mg/day, respectively. The DTAP and DPI were associated with reduced odds of AH in the Polish population. After adjusting for confounding variables, higher DTAP (by 1 mmol/day) had reduced odds of AH by 1.3% in men and by 1.8% in women and higher DPI (by 100 mg/day) by 1.1% and by 2.2%, respectively. Regardless of sex and AH, the main sources of DTAP and DPI were beverages, especially coffee and tea (over 50%), fruit (12-24%) and vegetables (12-18%). CONCLUSIONS: The intake of food with high antioxidant potential and rich in polyphenols was associated, slightly but independently of other factors, with a lower chance of hypertension in the adult Polish population. Irrespective of sex and AH, coffee and tea were the basic dietary sources of the antioxidants.

Relationship between the dietary glycemic load of the adult Polish population and socio-demographic and lifestyle factors - results of the WOBASZ II study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs more often among people with a low sociodemographic status, so it is worth knowing if any sociodemographic factor also has an impact on diet quality, defined by glycemic load (GL). OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the relationship between the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, health status self-assessment and dietary GL of the adult Polish population based on WOBASZ II study results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a representative group of the Polish population aged ≥20 years (2,554 men and 3,136 women). A 24-hour dietary recall was collected to assess the dietary intake. The total GL was calculated by summing the GL values of the consumed food. RESULTS: The average GL/1,000 kcal was significantly higher in women's than in men's diets (74.0 ±15.9 vs 71.2 ±15.7). Dietary GL/1,000 kcal increased with age (men: aged <35 - 70.3 and aged ≥65 - 73.9, women: 73.5 and 76.5, respectively). The lowest dietary GL/1,000 kcal was found among people living in large population centers. Dietary GL/1,000 kcal decreased with education level (men with primary, secondary and higher education: 73.4, 69.5 and 68.9, respectively, and women: 76.7, 73.4 and 70.9, respectively). Dietary GL decreased as an income increased. The highest GL/1,000 kcal was observed in the diets of participants who performed less physical activity. The highest GL/1,000 kcal was observed in the participants who defined their health status as very poor/poor and the lowest among those who defined their health status as good/very good. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional education about the proper selection of products that are sources of carbohydrates in the diet should be addressed mainly to people with low sociodemographic status, such as: people in the older age group, living in small population centers, and with lower levels of education and lower income. It should also be directed to people with a lower level of physical activity. Greater awareness of the choices of carbohydrate products is recommended to improve diet quality in these groups of people.

How does the risk of cardiovascular death and cardiovascular risk factor profiles differ between socioeconomic classes in Poland: A country in transition.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status (SES) is an important factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) development. A decline in death rate from CVD among subjects with high SES is observed in developed countries. The aim of this study was to assess differences in cardiovascular risk (CV) between socioeconomic classes in Poland, a country currently in transition. METHODS: A sample of 15,200 people was drawn. A three stage selection was performed. Eventually, 6170 patients were examined (2013/2014). Data was collected using a questionnaire in face-to-face interviews, anthropometric data and blood tests were also obtained. Education was categorized as incomplete secondary, secondary and higher than secondary school. Monthly income per person was categorized as low (≤ 1000 PLN), medium (1001-2000 PLN) and high (≥ 2001 PLN). Education and income groups were analyzed by prevalence of CVD risk factors and high CVD risk (SCORE ≥ 5%). RESULTS: Higher education was associated with lower prevalence of all analyzed CVD risk factors (p < 0.001), having the highest income with lower prevalence of hypertension, currently smoking, obesity and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Multivariable analysis showed that frequency of high CVD risk decreased with increasing education level (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.49-0.76; p < 0.01), a similar favorable impact of higher income on high CVD risk was demonstrated in the whole group (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67-0.99; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic status is an independent predictor of high CV risk of death. A favorable impact on the prevalence of high CV risk was demonstrated for education and partly for income in the whole group. It may reflect a transition being undergone in Poland, moreover, it predicts how socioeconomic factors may generate health inequalities in other transitioning countries.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the adult Polish population - Multi-center National Population Health Examination Surveys - WOBASZ studies.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The first aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension as well as treatment effectiveness (blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg) in a representative sample of the Polish population over the age of 19, examined in the WOBASZ II program. The second aim was to assess the changes in these parameters between 2003-2005 (WOBASZ study) and 2013-2014 in adults aged 20-74. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sampling was performed in three stages, stratified according to voivodeship (province), type of commune, and gender. Finally, the study included 6163 persons (3406 women and 2757 men) examined in the years 2013-2014 (aged ≥ 19 years). For comparison the data from 14 755 persons (7783 women and 6452 men aged 20-74 years) examined in the years 2003-2005 were used. RESULTS: In the years 2013-2014, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment and control was 42.7%, 59.3%, 46.1%, and 23% respectively. In the last decade an increase in the prevalence of hypertension (relative ratio (RR) 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-1.18), treatment (RR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17-1.36) and control (RR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.9-12.45) was found. In contrast, the awareness decreased nonsignificantly (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.92-1.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension in Poland is high, and increased by about 12% in 10 years. Although the number of treated patients and blood pressure control improved nearly twofold over the last decade, this is still below expectations. Efforts to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension in Poland should still be intensified.

Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among Polish adults 75 years and older during 2007-2014.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess changes in the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension and its effectiveness between 2007 (WOBASZ Senior study) and 2013-2014 (WOBASZ II) in a sample of the Polish population over the age of 75 years. METHODS: Sampling had three stages, stratified according to voivodeships, type of community, and gen-der. Finally, the WOBASZ II study included 467 persons (290 women and 177 men). For a comparison of the data, 1096 persons (538 women and 554 men) examined in the WOBASZ Senior study were used. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased from 153.0 ± 23.9 mmHg to 142.9 ± 22.3 mmHg and from 85.2 ± 11.9 mmHg to 78.4 ± 11.3 mmHg, respectively, from 2007 to 2014 (p < 0.0001). Prevalence of hypertension among people included in WOBASZ studies slightly decreased from 83.8% to 77.9% (rate ratio [RR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-1.16) in men, and from 75.4% to 71.8% (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.8-1.09) in women. Hypertension awareness was improved from 59.2% to 72.9% (RR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.97-1.56) in men, and from 74,8% to 93% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01-1.58) in women. The proportion of men and women, with implemented hypertension treatment, increased from 48.4% to 61.1% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01-1.58), and from 63.2% to 82.0% (RR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.53), respectively. The effectiveness of the treatment was improved over two-fold, there was an increase from 10.3% to 26.8% (RR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81-3.89) in men, and from 13.8% to 33.5% in women (RR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.81-3.3). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension in Polish seniors remains high, but has decreased slightly in the perspective of the last 7 years. Although treatment and control has improved over the last decade, it remains below expectations. Efforts to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension in Polish seniors should be intensified.

Socioeconomic status and cardiovascular risk SCORE.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and death both in men and women. The influence of the following factors on the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis is well known: hyperten-sion, hypercholesterolaemia, tobacco smoking, obesity, diabetes, age, and sex. As well as the typical risk factors of CVD, there is also a significant association between the incidence of those diseases and socioeconomic status (SES). AIM: The aim of this study was to establish the correlation between SES status and CVD risk assessed according to the SCORE algorithm. METHODS: The study encompassed 516 participants (207 men and 309 women) aged 40-74 years, who had never been diagnosed with any CVD. The SES was calculated by multiplying the patient's education and net monthly income. The cor-relation between the SES and SCORE was established using linear and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: After considering the influence of age, an inverse correlation between the SCORE risk value and the SES index was established, both in the entire group (p = 0.006) and in the men's group (p = 0.007). In the analysis of individual age subgroups, this correlation was demonstrated in the following groups: 55-59-year-olds (p = 0.011), 60-64-year-olds (p = 0.014), and 65-69-year olds (p = 0.034). A similar relationship was established in men aged 65-69 years (p = 0.038) and women aged 40-44 years (p = 0.003). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that, after considering the influence of age, the odds of the SCORE risk value being ≥ 10% were becoming smaller along with the increase in the SES index value in the entire group (p = 0.048) and in the men's group (p = 0.011). The odds ratio (OR) for the SCORE risk value being ≥ 10% depending on the SES index value was OR = 0.978 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.956-0.999) in the entire group and OR = 0.964 (95% CI 0.938-0.992) in men. Furthermore, we also established that the risk of SCORE ≥ 5% decreased with the increase in the SES index value in the women's group (OR = 0.970; 95% CI 0.941-0.999; p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: 1. We demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the SES and the CVD risk assessed according to the SCORE algorithm. 2. The value of the CVD risk according to SCORE was inversely correlated with SES status.

Association between tea and coffee consumption and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Poland - results from the WOBASZ II study (2013-2014).

The study aimed to assess a relationship between tea and coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Cross-sectional study of a random sample of total Polish population was done (The WOBASZ II Study), and the present analysis included 5146 participants at age 20 years and above. Tea and coffee consumption was assessed by 24-h recall method. MetS was defined according to IDF/NHLBI/AHA criteria. After adjustment for covariates, coffee consumption was related to blood pressure and HDL cholesterol, and moderate drinkers had 17% lower odds of MetS compared with non-drinkers (OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.72-0.97). Tea consumption was related to some components but not to MetS in general. Inverse association between coffee consumption and MetS may reflect the content of the antioxidants that offer cardiovascular protection. However, weak relation of tea with components of MetS points toward the potential importance of composition of polyphenols and the types of tea consumed.

Metabolic syndrome and its components in Polish women of childbearing age: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal body mass and related metabolic disorders may affect female reproductive health. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity, lipid and glucose metabolism disorders, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, among Polish women of childbearing age. METHODS: One thousand five hundred eighty-eight non-pregnant Polish women of childbearing age (20-49 years) who participated in the Multi-Centre National Population Health Examination Survey (WOBASZ II study) in 2013-2014, were assigned to 3 age groups: 20-29 years (n = 403), 30-39 years (n = 600) and 40-49 years (n = 585). Measurements of weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose were taken. For statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square, and Cohran-Armitage tests were used. RESULTS: Of the participants, 4.3% were determined to be underweight, 25.2% were overweight, 15% were obese, and 53.1% had abdominal obesity. With age, the prevalence of both excessive body mass and abdominal obesity tended to increase, and that of underweight to decrease. Frequency of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia found in the whole group were 50% and 12.6% respectively, and also tended to rise with age. Low serum HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels were found in 15.1% of the participants. Prevalence of impaired fasting glucose in the whole group was 8.2% and tended to increase with age. Diabetes was found in 1.2% of the participants and its prevalence also tended to rise with age, at the borderline of significance. Frequency of arterial hypertension and metabolic syndrome in the whole group was 15.7% and 14.1% respectively and both tended to increase with age. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity, especially of abdominal type, and the related metabolic abnormalities are common in Polish women of childbearing age. Their prevalence tends to increase with age. Underweight is relatively common in the youngest age group.