Factors Associated with Heart Disease in Japan: Multivariate Analysis Based on Specific Health Checkups

The global population affected by heart failure is projected to reach 30 million. The number of deaths due to heart disease has surged, rising from 2 million in 2000 to 8.9 million in 2019. In Japan, the prevalence of heart failure is rapidly increasing, with the number expected to reach 1.3 million by 2030. Primary prevention is crucial to prevent heart disease. We explored the associations of heart disease incidence with findings from checkups performed a decade ago. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals who reported a history of stroke, history of chronic renal failure, or weight gain ≥ 10 kg since age 20 in the questionnaire-based health checkup are at high risk for developing heart disease. Additionally, those with biochemical test results from 10 years ago indicating the use of antihypertensive drugs, use of insulin injections or hypoglycemic medications, systolic hypertension, and abnormal creatinine levels also exhibited a significantly higher risk of heart disease. Conversely, individuals who identified as female, walked faster than people of the same age, drank alcohol daily, and felt refreshed upon awakening in the questionnaire-based health checkup were protected from heart disease.