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Biomedical subjects

A Tanskanen

Publications and source records attributed to A Tanskanen.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Value of overnight urines in the follow-up of people with borderline hypertensive trying to reduce their salt intake.

The purpose of this study was to examine the value of overnight urine samples compared with 24-hour urine collections as a measure of salt intake in a long-term (two years) salt restriction trial which was part of the Finnish North Karelia Salt Project. Persons with slightly elevated blood pressure (without drug therapy) were advised to reduce their salt intake as much as possible. Each urine collection was divided into two time periods: overnight and rest of the 24-hour period. The mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion among men decreased during a two-year period from 243 mmol to 177 mmol (P less than 0.01) and among women from 194 mmol to 153 mmol (P less than 0.01), respectively. The correlation coefficient between overnight urine sodium excretion rate and 24-hour urine sodium excretion rate was among men 0.49 at baseline and 0.80 at two years and among women 0.82 at baseline and 0.49 at two years. The results suggest that the strength of the correlation between overnight and 24-hour urine sodium excretion rates is modified by the total sodium excretion level. The overnight urine specimen might be valuable in estimating salt intake in groups of people. However, because restriction of salt intake is mainly reflected in the rest of the 24-hour period but not in the overnight collection, the overnight specimen cannot be used to estimate an individual's salt intake or salt intake reduction.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Safety and effects of potassium- and magnesium-containing low sodium salt mixtures.

The main purpose of the present studies was to examine the safety of salt mixtures in which 35 or 55% of the NaCl in common table salt was replaced by potassium and magnesium salts. For 41 elderly hospitalized patients common salt from the hospital kitchen was replaced by Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt for 3-5 weeks; for in 85 drug-treated outpatients home use of NaCl was replaced by the use of Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt for 6 months. The patients' acceptance of the Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt was good. No metabolic or other side effects could be detected while the salt was being used. Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt was associated with a fall in blood pressure in drug-treated hypertensive patients, a rise in serum magnesium and in previously low serum potassium concentrations, a fall in raised fasting blood glucose levels, and an improvement in oral glucose tolerance. The results demonstrate that a considerable part of the NaCl in common table salt could be replaced by potassium and magnesium salts without causing potassium or magnesium toxicity. The results also lend support to the concept that an increase in potassium and magnesium intake and a decrease in sodium intake may have beneficial effects in a substantial number of people.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

Changes in dietary habits and knowledge concerning salt during a community-based prevention programme for hypertension.

As part of the North Karelia Project a community-based intervention programme to reduce salt consumption was initiated in 1979. The aim of this three-year Salt Project was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of salt reduction in the population. Cross-sectional random population samples, aged 14 to 65 years, were examined both in North Karelia and the reference community in 1979 and 1982. The surveys included among other measurements 24-hour urine collection for Na and K excretion, a salt use index based on reported salt use and a knowledge index concerning salt and health. Changes in the salt intake level were very small. In men Na excretion increased slightly in North Karelia and stayed the same in the reference area. The Na/K ratio in North Karelian men increased significantly. The mean Na excretion level decreased slightly in women in both areas. The reduction in the Na/K ratio in North Karelian women and the decrease in the salt use index in women in both areas were significant. Further analyses showed that in both areas a significant reduction in Na excretion was found but only among normotensive women. There were no changes in the knowledge concerning salt. The feasibility of salt intake reduction was low partly due to insufficient environmental changes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Community-based prevention of hypertension in North Karelia, Finland.

A model programme for hypertension control in the community has been implemented in North Karelia, Finland, since 1972. The treatment status of the patients was improved and blood pressure levels were reduced during 1972 to 1977. This improvement started to level off during 1977 to 1982, although more than 10% of the population aged 35-64 years were treated with antihypertensive drugs. Several analyses were done to find out which dietary factors contributed to the blood pressure level and to its change in the community. The study material consisted of random samples of the population aged 30-59 years in two counties in Eastern Finland, who participated in the surveys in 1972, 1977 and 1982. The analyses confirmed that high BMI, high fat intake, alcohol drinking and high Na intake were associated significantly with blood pressure and also with its change both in the general population and in hypertensive persons. The high levels of these nutritional factors were also associated with unsatisfactory outcome of drug treatment in the hypertensive patients. Thus, it is likely that nutritional changes that can reduce the levels of BMI, the intake of fat, alcohol, and Na would contribute significantly both to primary prevention and to the effective treatment of elevated blood pressure in the community. In Eastern Finland the levels of alcohol intake have increased both in men and women, BMI increased in men and decreased in women and serum cholesterol levels dropped both in men and women between 1972 to 1982. The results of a community-based programme to reduce salt intake in North Karelia from 1979 to 1982 confirmed that Na intake level is high in Finland. The North Karelia Salt Project showed that it is difficult to reduce salt intake at the community level during a three-year period. A slight reduction in Na intake was seen only in women both in North Karelia and in the reference area. In men Na intake did not decrease. In conclusion our results suggest that primary prevention of hypertension at the community level is not easy and that a well conceived programme for a relatively long time period is needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Change in risk factors for coronary heart disease during 10 years of a community intervention programme (North Karelia project).

A comprehensive community based programme to control cardiovascular diseases was started in North Karelia, Finland, in 1972. Reductions in smoking, serum cholesterol concentrations, and blood pressure were among the central intermediate objectives. The effect of the programme during the 10 year period 1972-82 was evaluated by examining independent random population samples at the outset (1972) and five (1977) and 10 (1982) years later both in the programme and in a matched reference area. Over 10 000 subjects were studied in 1972 and 1977 (participation rate about 90%) and roughly 8000 subjects in 1982 (participation rate about 80%). Analyses were conducted of the estimated effect of the programme on the risk factor population means by comparing the baseline and five year and 10 year follow up results in the age range 30-59 years. The effect of the programme (net reduction in North Karelia) at 10 years among the middle aged male population was estimated to be a 28% reduction in smoking (p less than 0.001), a 3% reduction in mean serum cholesterol concentration (p less than 0.001), a 3% fall in mean systolic blood pressure (p less than 0.001), and a 1% fall in mean diastolic blood pressure (p less than 0.05). Among the female population the reductions were respectively, 14% (NS), 1% (NS), 5% (p less than 0.001), and 2% (p less than 0.05). During the first five years of the project (1972-7) the programme effectively reduced the population mean values of the major coronary risk factors. At 10 years the effects had persisted for serum cholesterol concentrations and blood pressure and were increased for smoking.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Serum HDL cholesterol in a high coronary risk population in eastern Finland.

The serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol levels and their determinants were explored in a random population sample from eastern Finland, an area with an exceptionally high mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 1792 persons aged 14-65 years were studied. Serum HDL cholesterol was determined in one series by using an enzymatic method after precipitation by dextran-magnesium chloride. The mean serum HDL cholesterol was 1.41 mmol/l in men and 1.62 mmol/l in women. Although a multivariate linear regression model explained 21% (for men) and 28% (for women) of the variation in serum total cholesterol, the same variables were able to account for only 9 and 4%, respectively, of the variation in serum HDL cholesterol. Among men, obesity and the daily consumption of tobacco products were inversely associated and the weekly consumption of beer and age were directly associated with serum HDL cholesterol and the serum HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Relation of blood pressure to reported intake of salt, saturated fats, and alcohol in healthy middle-aged population.

The association of blood pressure with reported intake of salt, saturated fats, and alcohol was studied in a sample of 8479 subjects based on a cross sectional survey in a population aged 30 to 64 years. A consistent association was found between the mean arterial pressure and the intake of alcohol (p less than 0.001) and saturated fats (p less than 0.01). There was also a weak association between blood pressure and dietary salt intake, but this association was mostly explained by the correlation of salt intake with alcohol and saturated fats. The observed relationships support the hypothesis that blood pressure is influenced by diet.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Sotalol prolongation of the QTc interval in hypertensive patients.

The effect of oral sotalol on the heart rate-corrected AT interval (QTc) was studied in 33 hypertensive patients. Sotalol given once daily in doses of 160 to 640 mg prolonged in QTc interval in a concentration-dependent manner by up to 150 msec (P less than 0.001) over presotalol levels. The prolongation did not correlate with the initial length of the QTc interval. In seven patients with sotalol-prolonged QTc interval, the withdrawal of sotalol for 3 days shortened the interval to nearly its original length. The effect of sotalol of PQ and QRS times was minimal. Sotalol seems to differ from other beta antagonists in having clear amiodarone-like effects on the action potential of the heart after short- and long-term administration. The measuring of the QTc interval is recommended if high school concentrations are expected, since the risk of cardiac arrhythmias may increase.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Assessment of sodium intake by a short dietary questionnaire.

The aim of the study was to develop a short questionnaire for classifying persons according to their use of salt in public health work. After pretesting the questionnaire it was modified to measure the saltiness of diet. It consisted of five questions concerning certain salting habits and self-rating of salt use, and the frequency of use of seven salty food items. The questionnaire was completed by 1471 persons aged 14 to 65 who also collected one 24-hour urine sample. A sum index of all the questions was formed and called the Salt Index (SI). The correlation between the 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and SI was 0.18 in men and 0.20 in women (both significant at p less than 0.001). Men and women were classified into three groups according to their SI: low representing the lowest quintile, high representing the highest and medium containing all the other quintiles. The mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was lowest in the low SI-category and highest in the high SI-category in both men and women. The subjects were further divided into light and heavy workers on the basis of their occupation. In this analysis the effect of both energy intake and the saltiness of the diet indicated by SI were clearly distinguished. Women doing light work and having a low SI had the lowest sodium excretion value, 148 mmol/day, and men doing heavy work and having a high SI had the highest, 260 mmol/day.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Sodium intake reduction in volunteer families by using a salt substitute and nutrition counselling.

A double-blind study on the home use of regular salt (RS) and a salt substitute, called Mineral Salt (MS), was done in 58 volunteer families all with a 13-year-old child. All the salt used at home was replaced by one of the test salts for 4 months. After the first 2 months the parents were given a 5-hour course on reducing sodium intake by changing food habits. The test salt consumption was measured by weighing the leftover salt after 2 and 4 months. The parents and 13-year-old children collected 24-hour urine samples at the beginning of the study and after 2 and 4 months. The home use of test salt fell from 2.9 to 2.6 g/family member in the RS group (nonsignificant) and from 3.4 to 2.9 g in the MS group (significant at p less than 0.01). There were no statistically significant changes in the sodium or potassium urinary outputs during the study. The results indicate that the home use of MS alone or counselling on changing food habits alone or a combination of the two was not effective enough to reduce sodium intake to a degree detectable by the study methods.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

A community-based intervention study on the feasibility and effects of the reduction of salt intake in North Karelia, Finland.

A community-based programme to reduce salt consumption to lower general blood pressure levels has been started in North Karelia, a county eastern Finland with high hypertension and CVD rates. The programme is based on the previous activity in the community to control CVD risk factors (the North Karelia Project). Previously, however, salt reduction was not included among the objectives. The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and effects of this new community programme to reduce salt intake. The study period is from spring 1979 to spring 1982. At the outset and at the end cross-sectional random population samples, ages 14 to 65, are examined both in North Karelia and a matched reference community. The surveys include among other measurements 24-hour urine collection (for Na, K and creatinine excretion) and blood pressure. The effect evaluation is concerned whether the programme reduced the general salt intake and whether this was associated with reduction in blood pressure levels among the population. Principles and methods of intervention are presented. Preliminary results from the baseline survey confirmed the high salt intake of the population: the mean 24-hour urinary Na excretion was 215-218 mmol among men and 171-173 mmol among women. The respective K excretion values were 89-91 mmol and 72-72 mmol, and Na/K ratios 2.5-2.6 and 2.4-2.5.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Sodium and potassium excretion in a sample of normotensive and hypertensive persons in eastern Finland.

A 24-hour urine collection was carried out during a cardiovascular survey in eastern Finland. The study population comprised 148 hypertensive subjects in a random sample of the middle-aged population and 86 normotensive controls. The mean sodium excretion was 197 mmol/24h in both normotensive and hypertensive men, 179 mmol/24h in normotensive women, and 174 mmol/24h in hypertensive women. There were no significant differences in potassium excretion rate or in sodium: potassium molar ratio between the normotensive and the hypertensive among either men or women. There was no statistically significant correlation between blood pressure level and sodium or potassium excretion or sodium: potassium molar ratio. One in four of the subjects reported that they usually added salt to their food before tasting it. The results of this study show that the average level of salt intake in a Finnish population is high, and so is the sodium: potassium molar ratio. Although there was no correlation between sodium excretion and blood pressure levels, it is known that in this population the average blood pressure level is high and cardiovascular disease extremely frequent.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Why do alexithymic features appear to be stable? A 12-month follow-up study of a general population.

BACKGROUND: This 12-month follow-up study investigated the prevalence of alexithymia and its relationship with depression in a sample of the general population from Eastern Finland (n = 1,584). METHODS: Alexithymia was assessed using the 20-item version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) and depression using the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The prevalence of alexithymia in each study phase was similar (baseline: 9.7%; follow-up: 10.1%). Mean values of BDI, TAS-20 and subfactors of the TAS-20 also remained unchanged between the study phases. However, by using the original cutoff points, we found that a proportion of the subjects were in a different TAS-20 category on follow-up than at baseline. The mean values of BDI had not changed in those subjects who had similar alexithymia status in both phases, but increased or decreased in parallel with the change in TAS-20 score among all other subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that it is important to use a variety of viewpoints when studying changes in alexithymia status. Alexithymia appears to be a stable trait based on the similarity of the mean TAS-20 scores in separate study phases. However, when focusing on the changes in alexithymia status at the individual level, alexithymic features also appear to be state dependent and strongly related to depressive symptoms.

Affective Symptoms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Trends in stomach cancer and stroke in Finland. Comparison to northwest Europe and USA.

The mortality rates of stomach cancer and stroke were found to decrease in a similar way over a given time in different countries. The same phenomenon can be observed in Finland for both sexes. Salt is suggested to be the linking factor in the stroke-stomach cancer relationship. Recent studies indicate that salt intake in Finland is very high. Actual salt consumption levels are in Finland as high as they were in Belgium 15 years ago. The same observations can be made for cerebrovascular and stomach cancer mortality, making the salt hypothesis plausible. In contrast from 1972-73 on stroke mortality decreases faster than stomach cancer mortality. This could be observed in other western countries: USA, Austria, England and Wales, Belgium, West Germany, etc. The steeper decline may be the consequence of mass drug treatment of hypertension which started in Finland during the early years of 1970's, and also the consequence of changes in dietary habits, especially in fat intake in Finland.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment of mild and moderate hypertension with medroxalol, an alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonist.

Medroxalol, a new antihypertensive agent with alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptor blocking properties in both animals and humans, was administered in a single-blind study for 12 weeks to 29 patients with mild and moderate hypertension (standing blood pressure: 188-130/130-100 mm Hg). After 4 weeks of placebo administration, treatment with oral medroxalol was begun. Six weeks later, half the subjects added hydrochlorothiazide, 12.5 mg twice daily, to medroxalol for an additional 6 weeks, and the other half added placebo. During the final 4-week period medroxalol, but not hydrochlorothiazide, was discontinued and placebo substituted. Oral medroxalol doses of 100-400 mg twice daily reduced standing diastolic pressure to less than 100 mm Hg in 21 of the 26 subjects who completed the study. Compared to the last values on placebo, mean standing blood pressure was decreased by 15.6/12.0 mm Hg during the first 6 weeks of medroxalol at mean daily doses of 388-407 mg. Addition of hydrochlorothiazide permitted some decrease in medroxalol dosage. Upon medroxalol withdrawal, blood pressure and heart rate returned toward pretreatment values, with subjects continuing on diuretic showing lower blood pressures than the untreated individuals. Tolerance to medroxalol, with or without hydrochlorothiazide, was good. Mild orthostatic dizziness was the most frequent complaint associated with therapy, but postural hypotension was not found on physical examination. Medroxalol appears to be effective and well tolerated for reducing the blood pressure of most patients with mild to moderate hypertension and may be useful for chronic oral therapy of this disease.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗