Monitoring of aortic and coronary atherosclerosis in native and non-native males of Yakutsk over 40 years

We have analyzed the development of aortic and coronary atherosclerosis over 40 years in native and non-native males of Yakutsk by comparing the data obtained in 1963–1965, 1985–1987 and 2001–2003. The research was carried out in compliance with the WHO program for the atherosclerosis epidemiology studies using autopsy material. Subjects (361 natives and 692 non-natives) included in the research died of external causes at the age of 20–59 years and had no history of chronic diseases, which was confirmed by post-mortem examination. The prevalence and the extent of raised atherosclerotic lesions (fibrous plaques, complicated lesions and calcinosis) in the aorta and coronary arteries were determined by visual planimetry after staining with Sudan IV. An accelerated development of aortic and coronary atherosclerosis was revealed in both populations throughout the entire period of 40 years with more severe manifestations in non-native males. The severity of atherosclerosis increased considerably in native and non-native males aged over 40 years. The rate of the increase in the extent of raised atherosclerotic lesions tended to be greater in native than in non-native males.