gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: The objective of this study is to gain an understanding of the differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors among resettlers (Aussiedler) from the former Soviet Union in comparison to the German autochthonous population. Aussiedler refers to ethnic Germans and their relatives who have immigrated to Germany after 1989 [1]. Today, they comprise the second largest group of people with migration background in Germany. In previous studies, conflicting findings have been presented regarding CVD mortality in the Aussiedler population, encouraging further research [2], [3], [4]. A targeted comparison of the prevalence of CVDs and risk factors between Aussiedler and autochthonous Germans can thus contribute to our understanding of cardiovascular health disparities and lead to informed public health strategies.

Methods: The study employed data from the baseline examination of the German National Cohort (NAKO). Among the 204,273 participants aged 20 to 69 years, 3,580 Aussiedler and 169,538 autochthonous Germans were identified. After descriptive analysis, we used logistic regression to investigate the association of different CVDs (Acute Myocardial Infarction, Angina Pectoris, Heart failure, Arrhythmia, Vascular Disease and Hypertension), their risk factors and being Aussiedler or autochthonous German. We estimated Odds Ratios (OR) adjusted for age, gender and socioeconomic status.

Results: Preliminary analysis demonstrated gender-specific variations in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) between Aussiedler and autochthonous Germans. While Aussiedler men generally showed lower CVD prevalence compared to autochthonous Germans, women displayed higher levels of conditions like Acute Myocardial Infarction, Angina Pectoris and Hypertension. A gender-specific logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and socioeconomic status showed no difference of Hypertension among male Aussiedler (OR=0.98, 95%CI=0.87-1.12), female Aussiedler showed a positive association (OR=1.19, 95%CI=1.06-1.34). In the analysis of risk factors, a first gender-specific regression analysis of reported high cholesterol and triglyceride levels adjusted for age and socioeconomic status showed no differences in male (OR=0.94, 95%CI=0.83-1.08) and higher levels in female resettlers (OR=1.26, 95%CI=1.12-1.41).

Conclusion/outlook: First results show a complex relationship between Aussiedler status, age, gender, CVDs and risk factor prevalence.Further results on other CVDs and associated risk factors will be presented.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

The authors declare that an ethics committee vote is not required.