Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation (ESSE-RF) study. Ten years later

The growing weight of noncommunicable diseases, primarily cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is a great threat to the health of population worldwide, worsening the quality of life and reducing life expectancy. Realization of this threat led to initiation of epidemiological study by the Russian Ministry of Health to investigate the prevalence of CVDs and their risk factors, since it is CVDs that specify the high allcause mortality in Russia. In the modern history of epidemiology of non-infectious disease, the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation (ESSE-RF) study occupies a special place. This is the largest epidemiological study, which is considered as a continuation of preventive activity in order to obtain unbiased information on epidemiological characteristics of population in Russian regions. To conduct the study, the Research Organizing Committee of ESSE-RF study was created and a protocol was developed. All interested scientists and experts from following three centers took part in the work: National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology. The Russian regions were justified and selected for participation. In 2012-2014 ESSE-RF study, 13 following Russian regions took part: Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Ivanovo, Kemerovo, Tyumen Oblasts; Krasnoyarsk and Primorsky Krai; the Republic of North Ossetia (Alania); cities of Orenburg, Samara, St. Petersburg and Tomsk. All participated regions used a single study protocol, while biochemical parameters were determined in Federal centers using the same equipment and reagent kits. The paper presents some of the most interesting results that indicate a change in Russian epidemiological situation over the past few years. After the end of cross-sectional study, a field of priority research areas was formed in each center.

Conclusion. Epidemiological studies are the most important scientific tool for assessing the prevalence of diseases, their risk factors, as well as predicting adverse events. Based on the results obtained, healthcare system and medical community determine priorities and develop related strategies (population-based and high-risk strategies). For their implementation, a regulatory and legal framework is being created.