LIH’s Department of Population Health is currently conducting the second wave of the ORISCAV-LUX study (Observation des Risques et de la Santé Cardiovasculaire au Luxembourg), aiming principally to assess the cardiovascular health of Luxembourg’s resident population, and to identify the potentially modifiable as well as novel “non-classical” risk factors to suggest efficient preventive health measures. Residents from Luxembourg, aged 25 to 80 years, are invited to participate as volunteers to this study.

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death worldwide. Myocardial infarction or stroke were accounting for 33% of deaths in Luxembourg in 2014. Yet, 80% of these deaths could most probably be prevented. Gender, age, ethnicity and family medical history are non-modifiable factors, however, factors related to the environment and lifestyle such as smoking, dietary habits or physical inactivity can potentially be modified by a more conscious and healthy lifestyle.

The first wave of ORISCAV-LUX survey was conducted from 2007 to 2008, under the aegis the Ministry of Health and with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, by recruiting a representative sample of more than 1,400 people from the resident population. This first study revealed that a number of pathological disorders affecting cardiovascular health namely diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders are highly prevalent among the general population. Nevertheless these pathologies are not sufficiently diagnosed or treated, and in addition an important number of treated cases remain uncontrolled. For instance, over 60% of study participants suffering from high blood pressure were not aware of their condition before taking part in the study.

The second wave ORISCAV-LUX 2, supported by Ministry of Higher Education and Research, shall allow to compare and monitor evolutions in cardiovascular health over time. Recruitment for this large-scale survey started beginning of 2016, following a small pilot study, and will be conducted until end of January 2018. The results obtained will allow for identifying different risk profiles and help authorities and healthcare professionals to set up appropriate prevention measures and to increase health awareness among the national population. The project represents a unique opportunity to collect reliable data on population’s health. In addition, this national longitudinal databank constitutes a valuable research tool allowing scientists to address relevant questions about cardiovascular and metabolic risk.

Participants wanted!

LIH is currently looking for 1,000 women and men aged between 25 and 80 who live in Luxembourg to participate as volunteers in this ORISCAV-LUX 2 project. Participation, which is without risk and not involving any medication, consists of three parts:

- a health questionnaire

- a series of examinations including blood pressure, heart rate, ECG and other physical measurements

- the collection of biological samples (blood, urine)

The results of the analyses will be sent to the participants and a copy can also be sent to the doctor of their choice. The data collected will be processed anonymously.

For questions about the study or to participate, contact Mrs Cathy Fousse (26 97 07 47, oriscav@lih.lu). Further information on the study, previous results and cardiovascular disease can be found at http://www.oriscav.lih.lu/