Trends in lifestyle-related diseases before and after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Fukushima Health Management Survey

The Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, was followed by a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Many residents of the surrounding areas were forced to evacuate their homes and change their lifestyle. The potential influence of the evacuation on the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was investigated through the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS). In the present study, we have reviewed the results of longitudinal studies of lifestyle-related diseases that are based on the FHMS. After the disaster, evacuated residents presented an increased proportion of overweight/obese people and a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, liver dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and polycythemia than those before the disaster. Furthermore, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia increased between FY2011-2012 and FY2013-2014, after the disaster. Results show that disaster evacuees may be more predisposed to CVDs, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Preventive programs for obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia should be implemented in collaboration with local governments and communities. (author)