Databases a Keystone in Public Health Studies

– Meet Annika Rosengren

“Our survey of the population in Göteborg has shown that smoking, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure levels have decreased, while overweight and obesity are increasing. We still know too little about how our habits lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol values, for instance, and how genetics and lifestyles interact."

How far have you come?

“Concurrently, mortality from cardiovascular diseases is increasing in low- and medium- income countries, and we expect these diseases will be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in high-income nations in future decades."

"Regarding stroke, the decrease is not at all as evident, despite improved treatment of hypertension. In our studies we have observed that overweight and obesity are more important risk factors for stroke than for myocardial infarction. We aim to study how different combinations of risk factors during middle age might contribute to stroke at older ages."

“Although myocardial infarction presents later in women than in men, the differences between men and women are not as evident when it comes to stroke. We want to study how much of an impact that risk factors have on women´s health at higher ages."

“Of particular interest is how psychosocial factors such as stress and low socioeconomic status influence the risks for ill health. Further analyses concern how genes can affect risk factors. Also, we will continue to document how risk factors such as smoking, obesity, blood lipids, blood pressure, diabetes, stress, and physical activity change over time."

Why did you choose this particular research topic?